On Wednesday, the Indonesian military dispatched 1,090 peacekeepers to serve in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), solidifying Indonesia’s status as the leading troop-contributing country. This deployment continues Indonesia’s commitment to UN peacekeeping, which began in 2006 following the expansion of UNIFIL’s mandate after the Second Lebanon War.
The new contingent will replace the current Garuda Contingent, which consists of 1,230 personnel whose terms expire at the end of this month. Indonesian Armed Forces Chief Gen. Agus Subiyanto expressed pride during a pre-departure briefing in Jakarta, emphasizing the global recognition of the professionalism and dedication of the Indonesian military.
“The trust that the UN has given to Indonesia to continue sending forces for its peacekeeping operations is proof that the world recognizes the professionalism, discipline, and dedication of the Indonesian Armed Forces,” Subiyanto stated.
As of December 2024, UNIFIL comprises 10,251 peacekeepers from 48 countries, with Indonesia at the forefront, followed by Italy and India. Subiyanto highlighted that Indonesia’s involvement in UN peacekeeping is not just a military mission but also a humanitarian effort and an expression of national diplomacy on the global stage.
He reminded the soldiers of the significance of their mission, calling it a “sacred and noble mandate” and urged them to carry out their duties with utmost dedication.
UNIFIL has been patrolling the Lebanon-Israel border for almost 50 years, but its peacekeepers have faced multiple attacks, particularly following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon last year. Notably, two Indonesian soldiers were injured in October when Israeli tanks targeted peacekeepers in Naqoura, where UNIFIL’s headquarters is located.
With the ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, Subiyanto advised the new peacekeepers to prioritize their safety during their deployment. “If the threat escalates and you are required to leave the area of operations, implement the contingency plan prepared by the UN,” he instructed.
Indonesia remains a key player in global peacekeeping efforts, with 2,736 soldiers currently serving across eight missions worldwide.
+ There are no comments
Add yours