Three Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on a critical peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, were laid to rest on Sunday, April 5th. Each was interred with full military honors in distinct heroes’ cemeteries across Indonesia, a solemn tribute to their dedication and bravery.
Major Inf (Posthumous) Zulmi Aditya Iskandar was buried at Cikutra Heroes’ Cemetery (TMP Cikutra) in Bandung. Sergeant First Class (Posthumous) M. Nur Ichwan found his final resting place at Giri Dharmoloyo Heroes’ Cemetery (TMP Giri Dharmoloyo) in Magelang, while Corporal (Posthumous) Farizal Rhomadon was interred at Giripeni Heroes’ Cemetery (TMP Giripeni) in Kulon Progo.
Kumparan meticulously chronicles their emotional final journeys towards their last resting places.
TNI Commander Leads Solemn Funeral for Major Zulmi in Bandung
General Agus Subiyanto, the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), presided as inspector of the funeral ceremony for Major (Posthumous) Zulmi Aditya Iskandar at the Cikutra Heroes’ Cemetery (TMP Cikutra) in Bandung City. The poignant event drew numerous high-ranking officials and grieving family members.
Kumparan observed the arrival of Major Zulmi’s casket at approximately 08:30 WIB, draped reverently in the Indonesian national flag, the ‘Merah Putih,’ and borne by a contingent of dedicated TNI soldiers. The profound sense of loss was palpable as attendees gathered to bid farewell.
During the solemn ceremony, General Agus delivered a heartfelt eulogy, honoring Major Zulmi. He declared, “He fell in the line of duty for the noble interests and glory of the nation and state on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 10:45 Lebanon time, corresponding to 15:45 WIB.”
General Agus concluded his address with a poignant prayer: “May the path of dedicated service he undertook become an exemplary model for all of us, and may his soul find the most esteemed place in the presence of Almighty God.”
TNI Commander Lauds Fallen Major Zulmi: ‘Indonesia’s Finest Soldier’
Following the military funeral at TMP Cikutra, Bandung, General Agus Subiyanto paid a stirring tribute to the late Major Infanteri (Posthumous) Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, hailing him as one of Indonesia’s most exceptional soldiers. General Agus underscored Major Zulmi’s remarkable career and unwavering commitment to duty.
General Agus emphasized that Major Zulmi was a distinguished member of Kopassus, Indonesia’s elite special forces, whose service record was marked by extraordinary accomplishments. “The nation mourns the loss of one of Indonesia’s finest soldiers, Posthumous Major Zulmi, an exemplary TNI serviceman who proudly served in Kopassus,” General Agus stated.
He elaborated on Major Zulmi’s illustrious career, explaining that every mission entrusted to him was executed with excellence, earning him numerous commendations from his unit. It was this impeccable track record of meritorious service that led to his selection for the critical peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. “He consistently received accolades for his assignments, which ultimately led to his deployment abroad for the Lebanon peacekeeping operation,” General Agus noted.
The TNI Commander also conveyed the profound sorrow felt by the entire Indonesian National Armed Forces over this tragic incident. “Once again, the TNI expresses its deepest condolences and sorrow for the incident that transpired,” he stated with gravity.
Furthermore, General Agus assured the public that the state would meticulously fulfill all entitlements due to soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice in service. Comprehensive compensation packages have been prepared, sourced from both domestic and international entities. These include special death risk compensation and insurance claims, as well as significant contributions from the United Nations (UN).
Beyond financial provisions, the state is committed to supporting Major Zulmi’s family, offering death benefits and educational assistance for his children. General Agus also revealed that the President of the Republic of Indonesia personally conveyed his commitment to provide unwavering support and attention to the bereaved family. “The President himself has directly communicated to me his resolve to assist the family,” he affirmed.
Wife’s Heartbreaking Tears at Serka Ichwan’s Funeral; Family Remembers His Dedication
A profoundly moving ceremony marked the funeral of Sergeant First Class (Posthumous) M. Nur Ichwan at the Giri Dharmoloyo Heroes’ Cemetery (TMP Giri Dharmoloyo) in Magelang, Central Java. The service, conducted with full Islamic rites and military honors, was led by Deputy TNI Commander General Tandyo Budi Revita.
The emotional weight of the occasion was almost unbearable, particularly as the deceased’s wife, Hanadita Anjani (26), wept inconsolably before her husband’s grave. After the formal proceedings, she offered poignant prayers, gently caressing a photograph of her beloved husband, a testament to her deep sorrow.
Hanadita was supported by her parents, in-laws, her precious 8-month-old daughter, and Serka Ichwan’s younger brother, as the family collectively sought strength amidst their grief. Serka Ichwan leaves behind his young wife and their infant child. He was a brave TNI soldier from the UNIFIL Task Force Yonmek TNI Konga XXIII-S/UNIFIL, who tragically fell during his mission in Lebanon. He was also known for his dedicated service as a nursing non-commissioned officer at Kodam IX/Udayana.
Sumarno, the deceased’s cousin, shared a touching detail: becoming a soldier had been Sergeant Ichwan’s unwavering ambition since childhood. “He was orphaned at a young age but pursued his dream of becoming a soldier with immense determination,” Sumarno recounted, highlighting his cousin’s tenacity.
Following his junior high school graduation, Serka Ichwan pursued further education at the Health Vocational School of Kodam IV/Diponegoro. Sumarno clarified, “His father had always wished for him to join the TNI, particularly in the health sector, a path Serka Ichwan himself also ardently desired.”
Sumarno warmly remembered his cousin as a man of great integrity and profound dedication. He recalled Serka Ichwan’s boundless enthusiasm when he received the call for his deployment to Lebanon. “This young man always fought valiantly wherever he was. He was incredibly spirited about his assignment to Lebanon,” Sumarno added, underscoring Serka Ichwan’s commitment.
Wife’s Profound Grief Marks Corporal Farizal’s Funeral in Kulon Progo
Tears flowed freely as family members gathered for the funeral of Corporal (Posthumous) Farizal Rhomadhon at the Giripeni Heroes’ Cemetery (TMP Giripeni) in Kulon Progo. His wife, Fafa Nur Azila, attended the somber ceremony, overwhelmed by an uncontrollable wave of sorrow.
Fafa’s grief was palpable; her tears streamed down her cheeks as she continually caressed the soil of her beloved husband’s grave, a raw expression of her profound loss. The military funeral for Corporal Farizal was meticulously conducted at TMP Giripeni, presided over by Lieutenant General TNI Candra Wijaya, the Assistant for General Planning (Asrenum) to the TNI Commander.
In his moving address, Lt. Gen. Candra solemnly declared, “On behalf of the nation and the Indonesian National Armed Forces, we hereby commend to the embrace of Mother Earth the soul, body, and services of the late Farizal Rhomadhon, posthumous Corporal Two.”
Following the dignified ceremony, Major General TNI Joko Hadi Susilo, Pangdam Iskandar Muda (IM), confirmed that the funeral proceeded smoothly and securely. General Joko further stated, “The deceased courageously fell in Lebanon while serving as part of the esteemed Garuda Contingent Force.”
After Three TNI Soldiers Fall in Lebanon, SBY Urges UN to Halt or Relocate UNIFIL Mission
In a significant response to the tragic deaths of three Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) peacekeepers in Lebanon, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), Indonesia’s 6th President, has emphatically called on the United Nations (UN) to take decisive action regarding the presence of the UNIFIL task force amidst the escalating war zone.
SBY conveyed his profound sorrow after personally paying his respects to the fallen soldiers’ remains at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Saturday, April 4th. Reflecting on the emotional moment, SBY shared on his X social media account, “As I offered my deepest condolences to them, I knew the meaning of the tears that fell on their cheeks,” capturing the depth of collective grief.
A retired four-star general, SBY expressed his full support for the current government under President Prabowo Subianto’s demand for an honest and impartial investigation by the UN. He stressed that UNIFIL bears the responsibility to provide a clear explanation for the successive incidents that have targeted Indonesian forces.
SBY contended that the Garuda Contingent’s current operational mandate in Lebanon has significantly deviated from its original peacekeeping parameters under Chapter 6 of the UN Charter. He highlighted a critical shift in their operational environment, stating, “They were initially deployed along the ‘blue line’ or in the ‘blue zone,’ areas not designated as battlegrounds, separating Israeli and Lebanese territories.”
He continued, “However, the reality now is that what was once the ‘Blue Line’ has transformed into an active ‘war zone,’ where fierce daily clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah are raging.” Given the perilous situation, exacerbated by reports of Israeli forces advancing up to 7 kilometers from the blue line, SBY urged the UN to immediately re-evaluate the mission.
SBY unequivocally stated, “With this compelling argument, the UN headquarters in New York should promptly make a resolute decision and take decisive steps to either cease the UNIFIL assignment or relocate their forces away from the current volatile battlefield.” He further admonished the UN Security Council against applying double standards in safeguarding its personnel.
Recalling a past incident, SBY recounted his experience as Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, attending a UN Security Council session in 2000 following an incident in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara, where three UN humanitarian workers were killed during a protest. “The UN must not show favoritism or employ double standards,” he asserted, drawing a parallel to the current situation.
SBY Recalls His 2006 Proposal to UN for Indonesian Troops in Lebanon
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) shed light on the historical context of Indonesia’s involvement in the Lebanon peacekeeping mission, revealing that the initial deployment of TNI forces to the conflict-ridden region originated from his initiative during his presidency. This historical account was part of his broader statement responding to the recent deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon, intertwining past commitment with present urgency.
Reiterating his strong stance, SBY renewed his call for the United Nations (UN) to take swift and decisive action concerning the presence of the UNIFIL task force within the active war zone. “As President Prabowo has also done, I personally feel a moral imperative to advocate for justice for these TNI soldiers who became casualties in Lebanon,” SBY declared on his X account, @SBYudhoyono.
He elaborated on his motivation: “Why? When I served as President of Indonesia, I took the initiative to propose to the UN the deployment of a reinforced Indonesian battalion as part of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon.” SBY explained that his proposal, made during his presidency, was a direct response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon in August 2006.
At that time, the conflict caused significant casualties, particularly among the Lebanese population, while the UN Security Council was perceived as failing to take effective measures to halt the hostilities. “In August 2006, a war erupted between Israel and Lebanon, resulting in numerous casualties, predominantly on the Lebanese side. The UN Security Council had yet to implement effective measures to stop the conflict,” he recounted.
SBY further detailed his diplomatic efforts: “When the late Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi visited Jakarta, I proposed that, in his capacity as Chair of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), he convene an ’emergency meeting’ to urge the UN to act immediately.” This pivotal suggestion was subsequently acted upon by the Malaysian Prime Minister, who swiftly organized an emergency OIC meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
SBY elaborated on the high-level attendance: “A few days later, PM Abdullah Badawi hosted the emergency OIC meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Alongside Indonesia and Malaysia, other distinguished leaders present included Iranian President Ahmadinejad, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, and Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora, among other heads of state and government.”
During this crucial forum, SBY publicly affirmed Indonesia’s readiness to contribute a reinforced battalion as part of a UN peacekeeping mission, specifically designated for the Israel-Lebanon border following a potential ceasefire. “At that very meeting, I conveyed Indonesia’s readiness to dispatch a reinforced battalion as part of the ‘peacekeeping mission’ on the border between Israel and Lebanon. This meant that once a ceasefire was achieved through UN efforts, Indonesia stood prepared to oversee its implementation,” he clarified.
SBY also revealed the rapid governmental efforts undertaken to procure essential main battle equipment (alutsista), including the acquisition of combat vehicles from France. “I distinctly recall that, as mechanized combat vehicles were a prerequisite and our Anoa vehicles were not yet ready, I immediately telephoned French President Jacques Chirac. Our objective was for Indonesia to purchase French-made VAB combat vehicles for prompt deployment to Lebanon.”
He added, “Fortunately, France agreed, and the delivery process was exceptionally swift because I utilized a G-to-G (government-to-government) format for this defense equipment procurement. We intentionally did not involve private entities at that time.” Remarkably, Indonesia’s first contingent, Garuda XXIII/A, was successfully deployed to Lebanon within a mere three months of this decision, by November 2006.
SBY highlighted the continued legacy: “Notably, three members of President Prabowo’s current cabinet were part of that inaugural Indonesian contingent: Captain Kav Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman, First Lieutenant Inf Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, and First Lieutenant Kav Ossy Dermawan.” He concluded by noting the long-standing commitment: “As of 2026, Indonesia has sent 19 contingents to Lebanon for UN peacekeeping duties, with each assignment typically lasting one year. This perhaps represents Indonesia’s longest-running engagement in a UN mission.”
Concluding his message with words of encouragement, SBY addressed the Indonesian soldiers currently serving in Lebanon. “As an elder and a senior member of the TNI, I urge the troops of Contingent Garuda XXIII/S still in Lebanon to maintain their high spirits in carrying out this noble duty. Do your best, stay safe, and remember that your loving families eagerly await your safe return home,” he stated.