The deaths of three Indonesian soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have prompted calls for an international investigation, with advocates arguing the incidents constitute war crimes. Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) Indonesia and the Muslim Lawyers Team (TPM) are leading the charge, demanding the Indonesian government bring the case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The soldiers – Sergeant First Class Farizal Rhomadhon, Captain (Inf) Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, and Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan – died in separate incidents between Sunday, March 29th, and Monday, March 30th, 2026. The escalating violence underscores the precariousness of peacekeeping operations in the region, particularly along the volatile border between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The calls for international legal action reflect growing concern over the safety of UN peacekeepers and the potential for impunity in the conflict zone.
According to MER-C, the deaths are not simply tragic losses, but a direct violation of international law protecting humanitarian workers and peacekeeping forces. “MERC-C expresses its condemnation of the killings carried out against this humanitarian team, because it is only natural that humanitarian tasks carried out in conflict areas should receive protection and not be the target of violence by all parties involved,” said Dr. Hadiki Habib, Chairman of the MER-C Presidium, during a press conference at MER-C headquarters in Jakarta. The organization emphasizes that personnel engaged in humanitarian missions deserve the highest level of protection under international humanitarian law.
Details of the Fatal Incidents
Praka Farizal Rhomadhon was killed on Sunday, March 29th, during an exchange of fire between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah near Adchit Al Qusayr. The circumstances surrounding his death are under scrutiny, with advocates questioning whether the attack violated the rules of engagement for peacekeeping forces. The following day, Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan were killed while escorting a UNIFIL vehicle near Bani Hayyan. Details regarding the nature of the attack that claimed their lives remain limited, but MER-C and TPM assert that both incidents occurred within UNIFIL’s designated area of operation, which should have provided a degree of security.
The timing of the second attack is particularly concerning, according to MER-C. Dr. Habib noted that the second incident occurred while personnel were attempting to recover the body of Praka Rhomadhon, highlighting the dangers faced by those responding to emergencies in the conflict zone. “The process of evacuating these bodies shouldn’t also endanger those still living,” he added.
Legal Arguments for International Prosecution
The TPM argues that the attacks against UNIFIL personnel constitute a grave breach of the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court. According to Achmad Michdan, a representative of TPM, the attacks meet the criteria for war crimes as defined in Article 18(2)(b)(3) of the Rome Statute, which specifically criminalizes intentionally directing attacks against personnel involved in peacekeeping missions under the UN Charter. “Based on Article 18 Paragraph 2 Letter B Number 3 of the Statute of the International Criminal Court in the ICC, attacks intentionally directed against personnel, installations, material, units, or vehicles involved in peacekeeping missions in accordance with the UN Charter are categorized as war crimes,” Michdan stated.
TPM points to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and the Fourth Geneva Convention, which explicitly protect peacekeeping forces from all forms of attack. Michdan condemned what he described as repeated targeting of international personnel by the IDF, arguing that such actions cannot be tolerated. The organizations are urging the Indonesian government, specifically the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to take decisive diplomatic action by bringing the case before both the ICJ and the ICC.
Challenges to Repatriation and Ongoing Security Concerns
The repatriation of the remains of the fallen soldiers is facing significant logistical and security challenges. TPM emphasizes that the United Nations bears full responsibility for the process, both morally and technically. “The PBB [Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa, the Indonesian name for the UN] has an vital role in the return of the bodies on the basis that because the UN requested the Indonesian government to send personnel involved in the UNIFIL unit. Of course, the Indonesian government must also, whether through the Minister of Defense, request how the UN can secure the bodies and even return those bodies to their home country,” Michdan explained.
MER-C stresses that security remains the paramount concern in any repatriation effort. Dr. Habib acknowledged the possibility that, given the escalating conflict, the remains may ultimately have to be interred in Lebanon. “Of course, security here needs to be connected to various parties. If it’s not safe, then we may have to reach a point of resigning ourselves to the fact that [the bodies] will be laid to rest in a war zone,” he said.
MER-C Prepares Medical Mission to Lebanon
Despite the heightened risks, MER-C is preparing to deploy a medical team to Lebanon to provide assistance to those affected by the conflict. The organization is coordinating with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Lebanese Embassy to finalize the logistics of the mission. “MER-C Indonesia will prepare a humanitarian mission to the region and is currently coordinating formally with various related parties,” said Dr. Hadiki. The team will focus on providing medical aid to war victims, including essential supplies and personnel.
The planned team will consist of four to five individuals, but deployment is contingent upon ensuring the safety of the team and identifying a secure location to operate. The organization is closely monitoring the security situation and will adjust its plans accordingly.
Watch: MER-C Condemns Israel After 3 TNI Soldiers Killed in Lebanon: War Crime
The Indonesian government faces increasing pressure to respond decisively to the deaths of its soldiers in Lebanon. The calls for an international investigation and prosecution underscore the gravity of the situation and the necessitate for accountability. The next steps will likely involve diplomatic efforts to secure the repatriation of the remains and to advocate for stronger protections for UN peacekeepers operating in conflict zones. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days and weeks.
This is a developing story. Readers seeking support or information related to crisis situations can contact the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or relevant international humanitarian organizations.
