Indonesian Peacekeeper Dies from Wounds Sustained in Lebanon Attack

The loss of Corporal Rico Pramudia is a somber moment for Indonesia and its commitment to international peacekeeping. As a nation that consistently contributes troops to UN missions, particularly UNIFIL in Lebanon, this incident underscores the profound risks our soldiers undertake.

Tempo, as an Indonesian news outlet, views this tragedy not just as a statistic but as a personal loss. Corporal Pramudia, a 31-year-old soldier of the Indonesian Army (TNI), represents the dedication and sacrifice of countless Indonesians who serve under the blue flag. His nearly month-long battle for survival after the March 29 attack, which also claimed the life of Staff Sergeant Farizal Rhomadhon, highlights the severity of the incident and the critical care he received.

“

UNIFIL deplores the passing today of Corporal Rico Pramudia, who was critically injured following a projectile explosion in his base in Adchit Al Qusayr on the night of 29 March.

The UNIFIL mission's statement, condemning the attack as a grave violation of international humanitarian law, resonates deeply within Indonesia. We echo the call for accountability and adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The fact that this is the fourth Indonesian fatality in UNIFIL within a month, following the deaths of Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ikhwan in an earlier convoy attack, demands serious attention from all parties involved and the international community.

While Western media might focus on the geopolitical implications or the broader conflict in the region, for Indonesia, this is about the lives of our brave men. Their service is a testament to our nation's foreign policy principles, but their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in maintaining peace in volatile areas. We must ensure their sacrifices are not in vain and that measures are taken to prevent future tragedies.

“

Deliberate attacks against peacekeepers constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes.