The Blood of Indonesian Soldiers in Lebanon A Test of Indonesia’s Dignity on the World Stage By Aceng Syamsul Hadie (ASH)

JAKARTA — The deaths of three Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers during a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon are not merely tragic news.

They represent a stark warning for Indonesia’s sovereignty and national dignity.

Three soldiers lost their lives, while three others were injured.

The tragedy is deeply heartbreaking—Indonesia’s sons fell under the banner of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a mission that is meant to ensure peace and security, not become a field of death.

“This incident is a test of Indonesia’s dignity on the world stage—whether we remain passive spectators or rise to assert our strength,” said Aceng Syamsul Hadie, S.Sos., M.M. (ASH), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DPP ASWIN (International Journalists Association).

ASH stressed that Indonesia must no longer take refuge behind the term “operational risk.” Repeated attacks on peacekeeping forces should not be normalized.

“If such incidents continue to occur, this is no longer risk—it is a failure of the international security system. It reflects weak protection, unclear mandates, and the inability of the United Nations to confront the realities of conflict,” he stated.

According to him, normative statements such as “strong condemnation,” often delivered by UN officials, are no longer sufficient.

The global community requires concrete action, not empty diplomatic rhetoric.

“Without clear identification of perpetrators and real accountability, every condemnation becomes nothing more than a hollow diplomatic formality,” he added.

ASH further emphasized that Indonesia must not position itself as a passive observer in global crises. As one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces, Indonesia deserves stronger guarantees.

“Contribution without protection is injustice. Sending our soldiers into high-risk zones without maximum security assurances is not diplomacy—it is unilateral sacrifice,” he asserted.

He also highlighted that the conflict in Lebanon cannot be separated from the broader geopolitical dynamics, including the influence of major powers such as Israel and the United States.

In this context, ASH argued that Indonesia must adopt a firm and transparent stance, particularly in addressing potential violations of international law.

“Maintaining diplomatic relations must not come at the expense of national dignity. Firmness is what earns respect—not silence,” he said.

ASH outlined several urgent steps that the Indonesian government should take:

First, push for an independent and transparent international investigation to ensure accountability.

Second, conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Indonesia’s troop deployment in conflict zones, including security standards, operational mandates, and emergency evacuation systems.

Third, consider a temporary withdrawal of troops from high-risk areas if safety cannot be guaranteed.

“The lives of Indonesian soldiers are not bargaining tools in global diplomacy. They are symbols of national honor.

Every drop of blood shed is the responsibility of the state,” he emphasized.

ASH concluded that this tragedy must serve as a turning point for Indonesia’s role on the global stage.

“Indonesia must no longer stand as a complementary actor. We must become a nation that shapes direction—even if it means speaking firmly against major powers,” he said.

“If not, then we must admit—we have failed to uphold the honor of those who have fallen. And that is a failure that cannot be redeemed.”(Tim Redaksi).