The Blood of Indonesian Soldiers in Lebanon || Aceng Syamsul Hadie (ASH): A Test of Indonesia’s Dignity on the World Stage
JAKARTA — The deaths of three Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers in a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon are not merely tragic news. This is a stark alarm for Indonesia’s sovereignty and national dignity. Three TNI soldiers were killed and three others injured. It is deeply moving and heartbreaking that the lives of the nation’s sons were lost under the banner of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)—a mission that is supposed to guarantee security, not become a field of death.
“This incident is a test of Indonesia’s dignity on the world stage—whether Indonesia will remain a mere spectator or rise and show its strength,” said Aceng Syamsul Hadie, S.Sos., M.M., known as ASH, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DPP ASWIN (International Journalists Association).
ASH reminded that we must no longer lull ourselves with the term “operational risk.” If attacks on peacekeeping forces occur repeatedly, then it is no longer a risk, but a serious failure of the international security system. A failure that reflects weak protection, unclear mandates, and the bluntness of the United Nations in confronting the realities of conflict.
Normative statements such as those delivered by Jean-Pierre Lacroix—which merely amount to “strong condemnation”—are no longer sufficient. The world does not need condemnation; it needs action. Without clarity of perpetrators and without accountability, every condemnation becomes an empty diplomatic formality.
“Indonesia must stop being a polite spectator in global tragedies. We are one of the main contributors to the world’s peacekeeping forces. However, contribution without protection is a form of injustice. If our soldiers are sent to high-escalation areas without maximum security guarantees, then that is not diplomacy—it is unilateral sacrifice,” he asserted.
Furthermore, the conflict in Lebanon does not stand alone. It exists under the shadow of major powers, including Israel and the influence of the Amerika Serikat in the region. In this context, Indonesia’s stance must not be half-hearted. Firmness in addressing potential violations of international law must be expressed openly, not wrapped in overly cautious diplomatic language.
ASH emphasized that maintaining good relations does not mean sacrificing national dignity. On the contrary, firmness is what will position Indonesia as a respected nation, not one that is ignored. The Muslim world, in particular, awaits Indonesia’s courage to stand as a consistent moral voice—not merely a follower of geopolitical currents.
“The concrete steps that must be taken are clear. First, Indonesia must push for an independent and transparent international investigation that leads to real accountability. Second, the government must conduct a total evaluation of troop involvement in active conflict zones, including reviewing security standards, operational mandates, and emergency evacuation mechanisms. Third, if safety cannot be guaranteed, then the temporary withdrawal of troops from high-risk areas must become a serious option,” he urged.
ASH stressed that the lives of Indonesian soldiers are not bargaining chips in global diplomacy. They are symbols of national honor. Every drop of blood shed is the responsibility of the state.
This tragedy must become a turning point. Indonesia must no longer appear on the world stage merely as a complement. We must become a force that determines direction—even if it means speaking firmly against major powers.
“If not, then we must be honest: we have failed to uphold the honor of those who have fallen, and that is a failure that cannot be redeemed by anything,” he concluded.[]
Source: ASH
Editor: Editorial Team
