In a poignant scene marking a nation’s grief, Fafa Nur Azila, the widow of the late Private First Class (Praka) Farizal Rhomadhon, arrived at the grieving family’s home in Ledok, Sidorejo Village, Lendah District, Kulon Progo Regency, on Thursday. Her arrival was met with an outpouring of emotion, as Farizal, a dedicated member of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), tragically fell in the line of duty while serving as a UN peacekeeper in Lebanon.
Overcome with sorrow, Fafa was visibly unable to hold back her tears upon reaching the somber residence. She journeyed to Kulon Progo accompanied by her young child, a toddler just one and a half years old, having traveled from Aceh. During her arduous journey, she was supported by the wives of other soldiers, a testament to the strong camaraderie within the military community.
Colonel Dimar Bahtera, Commander of Infantry Brigade 25/Siwah, provided details on Fafa’s arrival. “This morning, she landed at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) at 09:10 AM. She has arrived with her one child, who is one and a half years old. She has been received by the family, and her in-laws, who originally hail from Kebumen, are also present here,” Colonel Dimar stated, highlighting the familial support surrounding her.
Regarding the repatriation of Praka Farizal’s remains, Colonel Dimar confirmed that a military farewell ceremony, orchestrated directly by the United Nations, took place today in Beirut, Lebanon. “All planning and activities, including this ceremony, are directly managed by the UN. The UN will then dispatch the body from Lebanon on Friday, local time,” he elaborated.
The journey of Praka Farizal’s body back to Indonesia is meticulously planned. After departing Lebanon, the remains will transit through Turkey before a flight to Indonesia, expected to land at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. “If dispatched on Friday, we anticipate the arrival in Indonesia to be around Saturday or Sunday,” Colonel Dimar projected, providing a timeline for the final homecoming.
Posthumous Honors
In recognition of his ultimate sacrifice, Praka Farizal Rhomadhon has been granted an extraordinary posthumous promotion (KPLB). “He has been given an extraordinary promotion, elevating his rank from Private First Class (Praka) to Second Corporal (Kopda),” Colonel Dimar announced, underscoring the military’s respect for his service.
Furthermore, Praka Farizal is entitled to be interred in a Heroes’ Cemetery, a significant honor for fallen servicemen. “We have already coordinated with the District Military Commander (Dandim), and the plan is for him to be buried at the Heroes’ Cemetery here in Giripeni,” Colonel Dimar confirmed, indicating preliminary arrangements for a state burial.
However, the ultimate decision regarding the final resting place remains with the family. “The state does not compel the family to choose either a Heroes’ Cemetery or a public cemetery. Nevertheless, we strongly encourage and suggest this option for the sake of national honor and as a symbol for the country. This also serves as an example, an education, and a source of motivation for the community, including his descendants and family in the future,” Colonel Dimar concluded, emphasizing the profound significance of such a burial.
Summary
Fafa Nur Azila, widow of the late Private First Class (Praka) Farizal Rhomadhon, arrived at her family’s home in Kulon Progo with her one-and-a-half-year-old child after traveling from Aceh. Praka Farizal tragically died in the line of duty while serving as a UN peacekeeper in Lebanon. His widow was visibly emotional upon her arrival and was supported by fellow soldiers’ wives, as confirmed by Colonel Dimar Bahtera.
A military farewell ceremony for Praka Farizal’s remains was conducted by the United Nations in Beirut, Lebanon. His body is expected to depart Lebanon on Friday, transit through Turkey, and arrive in Indonesia around Saturday or Sunday. Praka Farizal has been posthumously promoted to Second Corporal and is entitled to be buried in a Heroes’ Cemetery in Giripeni, with the final decision on the burial place resting with his family.