A Jakarta legislator has urged the central government to prohibit Israeli passport holders from entering Indonesia. The call follows an attack on a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) base that resulted in the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers.
Lukmanul Hakim stated on Friday that such a measure would be a necessary response, asserting that Indonesia, as a sovereign nation, should not remain passive after such an incident. He also called for President Prabowo Subianto to take decisive action regarding the attack.
Hakim emphasized that a ban on Israeli passport holders would underscore Indonesia’s sovereignty and its principled stance against what he characterized as a serious violation of international law.
The incident occurred on March 29 when Israeli artillery struck a UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon. The attack claimed the lives of three Indonesian personnel: Infantry Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, First Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan, and Private First Class Fahrizal Rhomadhon. Additionally, five other Indonesian peacekeepers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at local hospitals.
The government is presently coordinating the repatriation process for the deceased soldiers.
Hakim acknowledged the government’s and the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ (TNI) actions, which include posthumous promotions for the fallen and compensation totaling Rp1.8 billion (approximately US$106,000) for their families. However, he reiterated the need for a clear and firm national stance against Israel.
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