Outcry After UN Peacekeepers Killed in Lebanon: Indonesia Mourns
- Indonesia has received the bodies of three United Nations peacekeepers who were killed in southern Lebanon during an Israeli invasion of the country.
- The deaths occurred during a period of conflict involving Israel's invasion of Lebanon amid a broader war between the United States and Israel against Iran.
- The casualties resulted from two separate explosions in southern Lebanon.
Indonesia has received the bodies of three United Nations peacekeepers who were killed in southern Lebanon during an Israeli invasion of the country. The soldiers, members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang on April 4, 2026, where they were greeted with a ceremony attended by President Prabowo Subianto.
The deaths occurred during a period of conflict involving Israel’s invasion of Lebanon amid a broader war between the United States and Israel against Iran. The three deceased personnel have been identified as Major (Posthumous) Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, 33, Sergeant Major (Posthumous) Muhammad Nur Ichwan, 26, and Corporal First Class (Posthumous) Farizal Rhomadhon, 28.
Details of the Fatal Incidents
The casualties resulted from two separate explosions in southern Lebanon. On March 29, 2026, Corporal First Class Farizal Rhomadhon was killed after a projectile exploded. A UN security source told the AFP news agency that fire from an Israeli tank was responsible for that specific attack.
On March 30, 2026, Major Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and Sergeant Major Muhammad Nur Ichwan were killed when an explosion struck a UNIFIL logistics convoy, also located in southern Lebanon.
In addition to the three fatalities, five other Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel were injured during the March 29 and 30 incidents. Private First Class Rico Pramudia sustained serious injuries, while First Lieutenant (Inf) Sulthan Wirdean Maulana, Private First Class Deni Rianto, Private First Class Bayu Prakoso, and Private First Class Arif Kurniawan suffered minor injuries.
Official Indonesian Response
President Prabowo Subianto condemned the attacks, stating that they undermined peace and resulted in the loss of three soldiers who were carrying out noble peacekeeping duties. In a post on Instagram, the president stated:
President Prabowo Subianto
The state will always be present to honour the services of these heroes, uphold the dignity of our soldiers, and ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten
Following the arrival of the coffins, Foreign Minister Sugiono called for a thorough United Nations investigation into the deaths. The minister emphasized that such incidents should not happen during a peacekeeping mission and asserted that there must be a security guarantee for peacekeeping soldiers
.
Indonesian authorities have characterized the attacks as unacceptable
and have called for stronger security guarantees for the blue helmets
deployed in the region.
Funerals and Commemorations
The three peacekeepers were laid to rest in their respective hometowns in military funerals on Sunday, April 5, 2026. These ceremonies included the participation of military commanders, such as in the city of Bandung.
The deaths sparked further reactions internationally, including calls from the Spanish premier that attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon must cease immediately
. Within Indonesia, the events led to public demonstrations, including thousands rallying outside the US Embassy in Jakarta.