Indonesia Continues Leading Global Peacekeeping Missions

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Every September 21, the world observes the International Day of Peace as a reminder of the importance of peace and collective efforts to prevent conflict. For Indonesia, its commitment to global peace is also reflected in its active participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Indonesia has participated in UN peacekeeping missions since 1957, when it deployed troops to the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Sinai, Egypt. Since then, tens of thousands of Indonesian personnel have served in peacekeeping missions in various conflict-affected regions.

According to UN data, Indonesia is among the major contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, with more than 2,700 Indonesian personnel, including more than 200 women, serving in several missions. Their deployment reflects Indonesia’s continued commitment to contributing to international peace and security.

One of Indonesia’s significant deployments is through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon. Indonesian peacekeepers carry out their mandate to support peace and security while also interacting with local communities and participating in activities that support residents.

Indonesia’s contribution, however, extends beyond security-related duties. Indonesian peacekeepers have also been involved in humanitarian activities, including supporting local communities, assisting with public facilities, protecting civilians, and helping create conditions for people affected by conflict to rebuild their lives.

Peacekeeping service also carries significant risks for personnel. In 2026, the United Nations posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to Indonesian peacekeepers Kopral Dua Eko Prambudi Santoso, who served with MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Brigadir Polisi Kepala Sri Widodo, who served with MINUSCA in the Central African Republic.

Indonesia’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions is part of its contribution to maintaining international peace. Through military and police deployments, civilian protection, and humanitarian activities, Indonesian peacekeepers demonstrate that supporting peace also means being present and helping communities affected by conflict.