RI may withdraw TNI soldier if UNIFIL fails to protect troops – ANTARA News

The Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs of Indonesia is considering the withdrawal of Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) troops from Lebanon if the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is unable to guarantee the safety of the personnel.

Brigadier General Honi Havana, the head of the ministry’s public relations and information bureau, stated on May 12, 2026, that the Indonesian government views the safety of its soldiers as a top priority. He indicated that an early withdrawal of troops would be considered if the mandate of UNIFIL is no longer sufficient to provide necessary protection for peacekeeping personnel.

“If UNIFIL’s mandate is no longer capable to provide protection for the peacekeeping personnel, then an early troop withdrawal is one option being considered,”

Brigadier General Honi Havana

Mitigation and Deployment Feasibility

Despite the consideration of withdrawal, Brigadier General Havana noted that the continued deployment of TNI troops to Lebanon remains feasible. This assessment is based on several ongoing operational measures and strategic considerations.

The Indonesian government continues to monitor the security landscape through regular reports provided by the TNI and the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut. These reports specifically identify areas that remain prone to conflict, allowing the government and military leadership to prepare mitigation measures for events that could threaten the safety of the soldiers.

the government may implement the redeployment of troops between different locations to enhance safety. This strategy involves the reorganization and repositioning of troop strength to ensure protection is effective based on the current security environment.

“Reorganization and repositioning the troop strength with consideration of the protection effectiveness could involve vacating or moving task force posts according to the prevailing security situation,”

Brigadier General Honi Havana

Finally, the government emphasized its commitment to the principles of the United Nations, specifically regarding independence and transparency. This commitment applies to the investigation of any incidents that may threaten the security of Indonesian TNI personnel stationed in Lebanon.