JAKARTA – Nico Siahaan, a prominent Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), is urging the Indonesian government to initiate high-level international discussions regarding the potential withdrawal of its troops participating in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission.
Siahaan’s urgent call comes in response to the increasing number of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) casualties during their deployment in Lebanon, a situation he deems deeply concerning.
“The UNIFIL peacekeeping troops should be withdrawn from the heart of the battlefield,” Siahaan told reporters on Sunday (April 26), emphasizing the gravity of the current operational environment.
The legislator from the PDI Perjuangan faction underscored that a withdrawal is not only warranted but necessary, given the severe escalation of conflict in Lebanon, which now poses an unacceptable and life-threatening risk to Indonesian TNI soldiers.
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“In my opinion, the mission has fundamentally changed. Our soldiers were originally dispatched as UNIFIL peacekeeping forces to maintain post-war peace, weren’t they? That’s why they are called peacekeeping troops,” Siahaan elaborated, highlighting the critical shift in their operational context. He reiterated his strong desire to prevent further casualties among TNI personnel engaged in the peacekeeping mission, especially in light of the intensifying conflict escalation in Lebanon.
“Currently, their position places them directly within a combat zone, equipped with resources not designed for direct involvement in warfare. This situation gravely compromises the safety of Indonesian soldiers participating in UNIFIL,” he explained, pointing out the stark disparity between their peacekeeping mandate and the dangerous reality on the ground. Siahaan further asserted that the withdrawal of troops should not be delayed until the originally scheduled end of their deployment in May 2026.
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“We propose their immediate withdrawal, even though their tour of duty is set to conclude in May,” he stated, reinforcing the urgency of his plea for immediate action.
The tragic death of Praka Rico Pramudia, an Indonesian TNI soldier serving with UNIFIL, on Friday (April 24) underscored the perilous nature of the mission. Praka Rico succumbed to his injuries after receiving treatment in Lebanon, having been a victim of a missile explosion that struck the UNIFIL barracks on Wednesday (March 29).
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“UNIFIL regrets the passing of Corporal Rico Pramudia, who sustained critical injuries following a missile explosion at his base in Adchit Al Qusayr,” an official UNIFIL account posted on social media platform X on Friday. In its statement, UNIFIL extended profound condolences to Praka Rico’s family and friends, the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), the Indonesian government, and the people of Indonesia. “We demand that all actors uphold their obligations under international law and ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times,” the organization asserted, emphasizing the critical need for adherence to international humanitarian law.
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The tragic death of Praka Rico within the UNIFIL mission deepens the sorrow for Indonesia. With his passing, the total number of TNI soldiers who have lost their lives in Lebanon now stands at four. Beyond Praka Rico, the other soldiers who have tragically died during this critical peacekeeping mission include Posthumous Major Infanteri Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Posthumous Sergeant First Class Muhammad Nur Ichwan, and Posthumous Corporal Farizal Rhomadhon.
Summary
Nico Siahaan, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, is urging the Indonesian government to initiate high-level international discussions regarding the potential withdrawal of its troops from the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. This urgent call stems from the increasing number of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) casualties and the severe escalation of conflict in the region. Siahaan emphasized that the mission’s context has fundamentally shifted, placing peacekeepers directly within a combat zone, which gravely compromises their safety.
The immediate withdrawal proposal follows the tragic death of Praka Rico Pramudia on April 24, who succumbed to injuries after a missile explosion struck UNIFIL barracks. With Praka Rico’s passing, the total number of TNI soldiers who have lost their lives in Lebanon has sadly reached four. UNIFIL expressed condolences and reiterated the demand for all actors to uphold international law to ensure the safety of UN personnel.