Indonesia to Send Hundreds of Peacekeepers to Lebanon

(MENAFN) Indonesia has announced it will deploy more than 700 peacekeepers to southern Lebanon as part of a United Nations mission, even as the area continues to experience ongoing military strikes and casualties.

According to official statements reported by state media, a total of 742 Indonesian soldiers will be sent in a rotational deployment to replace current personnel serving in the UN peacekeeping force.

Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman said the troops are prepared for the mission, emphasizing both national responsibility and the UN mandate.

“I see that the troops are ready. Of course, this is a UN mission, but more importantly it is a mission for the Indonesian nation,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of ensuring troop safety, protecting Indonesia’s international reputation, and maintaining operational effectiveness during deployment.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of continued instability in southern Lebanon, where several UN peacekeepers have reportedly been killed in recent months during Israeli military operations, including four Indonesian personnel among the casualties.

Despite a ceasefire announced on April 17 and later extended until May 17, reports indicate that Israeli strikes in Lebanon have continued almost daily.

According to figures cited in the report, the ongoing conflict since early March has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries and has displaced more than 1.6 million people—around one-fifth of the population.

The deployment highlights Indonesia’s continued participation in UN peacekeeping efforts despite escalating risks in the region.

MENAFN12052026000045017281ID1111100992