INDOPOSCO.ID – Deputy Chair of Commission I of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the PKS faction, Sukamta, expressed condolences over the death of Private First Class (Praka) Rico Pramudia, one of the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ (TNI) finest soldiers serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission.
“We extend our deepest condolences for the loss of one of TNI’s finest soldiers who was part of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. This sacrifice is a tangible manifestation of Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining world peace, as mandated by the Constitution,” Sukamta said in a statement on Saturday (April 25, 2026).
Praka Rico died after undergoing treatment in Lebanon following injuries sustained in a missile explosion that struck a UNIFIL headquarters on Wednesday (March 29).
Sukamta stated that Rico’s death must serve as a serious concern for all parties, especially as the UNIFIL base has become a target amid the conflict. According to him, the incident reflects a worrying escalation on the ground.
“The attack in the UNIFIL operational area indicates that the situation has significantly escalated, placing peacekeeping forces at increasing risk,” he said.
He stressed that the protection of personnel carrying out UN peacekeeping missions must not be neglected by any party, including those involved in the conflict.
“We view the protection of UN personnel as a top priority that must not be overlooked by any party, including amid the dynamics of conflicts involving Israel and other actors in the region,” he added.
Sukamta urged the United Nations to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the mandate and protection mechanisms for UNIFIL peacekeeping forces to ensure they align with evolving threats on the ground.
“We call on the United Nations to carry out a thorough review of the mandate and protection mechanisms for UNIFIL troops so they correspond to the realities of the threats in the field,” he said.
“In addition, a transparent and accountable investigation into this incident is necessary to ensure clarity and accountability,” he continued.
Beyond the UN, Sukamta also called on the Indonesian government to conduct a comprehensive review of security aspects and deployment patterns for its troops following Rico’s death.
“The Indonesian government needs to carry out a comprehensive review of security, readiness, and deployment patterns of soldiers in peacekeeping missions, without diminishing Indonesia’s commitment as an active contributor to global stability,” he said.
He emphasized that global peace should not come at the cost of futile sacrifices, including those made by soldiers on duty.
“Every fallen soldier must serve as a reminder that maintaining peace requires a strong system, adequate protection, and a shared commitment from the entire international community,” he said.
“May the fallen soldiers receive the best place by the Almighty, and may their families be granted strength,” he concluded.(nas)
