Minister Fadli Extends Sympathy to Families of Indonesian Peacekeepers' Death

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture has expressed deep condolences over the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The incident occurred amid escalating conflict in southern Lebanon, raising broader concerns over civilian safety and cultural preservation.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, in Jakarta, Wednesday, 1 April 2026 extended sympathy to the families of the fallen soldiers and the Indonesian National Armed Forces. He also wished a full recovery for those injured in the line of duty.

He strongly condemned the attack that led to the casualties, attributing it to ongoing hostilities in the region. He stated, “This tragedy cannot be separated from the attack in southern Lebanon, which has endangered peacekeepers, civilians, and vital infrastructure.”

He further emphasized that such violence poses serious threats not only to human life but also to cultural heritage. “The escalation of conflict threatens both tangible and intangible cultural heritage across the region,” Fadli said.

According to the Ministry, the fallen peacekeepers were carrying out a noble mission to maintain peace and protect civilians. Their sacrifice highlights the importance of upholding international law and ensuring the safety of United Nations personnel.

Fadli stressed that protecting cultural heritage during armed conflict is both a moral and legal obligation under international frameworks. He noted, “Cultural heritage must not be treated as collateral damage, as its destruction erodes identity, history, and social cohesion.”

The Ministry also called on all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law and safeguard cultural sites. It urged stronger global cooperation, including efforts led by UNESCO, to protect vulnerable heritage assets from destruction and looting.

Reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment, Fadli expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, the people of Lebanon, and affected communities across the Middle East. He concluded, “Indonesia remains committed to peace, international cooperation, and the protection of cultural heritage as a shared legacy of humanity.”