Indonesia Urges Respect for International Law After Three Peacekeepers Killed in Lebanon

Indonesia has called on all warring parties in the Middle East to “respect international humanitarian law” following the deaths of three of its peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in separate incidents over a 24-hour period.

The casualties—marking the first major fatalities among UN peacekeepers since the recent escalation in Lebanon—have drawn strong condemnation from Jakarta and growing international concern over the safety of UN personnel in the conflict zone.

The Incidents

According to official statements, the Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in two separate events:

• Sunday, March 29, 2026: Chief Private Farizal Rhomadhon was killed and three others injured after indirect artillery fire struck the Indonesian contingent’s position in Adshit al-Qusayr, southern Lebanon. The Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli artillery shelling had targeted the Indonesian UNIFIL headquarters in the area .
• Monday, March 30, 2026: Two additional Indonesian soldiers were killed, and two others sustained severe injuries, following an “explosion of unknown origin” that destroyed their vehicle near the town of Bani Hayyan in the Marjeyoun district. UNIFIL confirmed that an investigation has been launched into both incidents .

In total, four Indonesian peacekeepers have been injured across the two events, with some reported to be in critical condition .

Indonesia’s Response

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono, speaking from Tokyo, expressed deep condolences and strongly condemned the attacks.

“We are profoundly saddened by this loss. We pay our highest respect to the fallen peacekeeper for his dedication and service to international peace and security,” the Foreign Ministry stated .

Sugiono called for a “swift, thorough and transparent investigation” into the incident and has instructed Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York to meet with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations to discuss the matter .

Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait echoed the call, stating: “The safety of peacekeeping troops must be the top priority. All parties to the conflict are urged to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the security of peacekeeping personnel.”

Indonesia has also requested UNIFIL to conduct a full investigation to identify the source of the attacks .

International Reactions

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the escalation, stating that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes .

UNIFIL issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming investigations: “We reiterate that no one should ever have to die serving the cause of peace” .

European leaders also voiced condemnation:

• Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin called it a “shocking escalation of violence”
• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the incident as “beyond the pale”
• Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot stressed that attacks on peacekeepers violate international law 

Calls for Withdrawal

The fatalities have prompted some Indonesian lawmakers to question the continued deployment of Indonesian troops in Lebanon. Deputy Chairperson of Commission I of the House of Representatives Dave Akbarshah Fikarno urged the government to evaluate the effectiveness of the peacekeeping mission, citing the example of Italy, which plans to withdraw its forces from the region .

However, Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that while no formal withdrawal proposal has reached him, the idea could be “further discussed” .

Source: Al Jazeera, ANTARA News, UNIFIL, Reuters, Tempo