UN Secretary-General Honors Four Indonesian Peacekeepers Who Died in Lebanon

Sentul: United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has honored and paid tribute to four Indonesian peacekeepers who lost their lives in Lebanon late last March.

He emphasized that attacks against peacekeeping forces can be classified as war crimes. Guterres made these remarks while addressing peacekeepers at the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Peacekeeping Mission Center in Sentul, Bogor, West Java, on Monday, October 19, 2026.


Photo: UN Secretary Genereal Antonio Guterres. Photo: Talitha Ekta Vanya/ Unic Jakarta

During his visit, Guterres laid a wreath in honor of the four Indonesian personnel who died while serving on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

“Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. No one should ever lose their life while serving the cause of peace,” Guterres stated, according to a press release received by the media.

He asserted that attacks on peacekeeping forces constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and may be categorized as war crimes, adding that those responsible for such violations must be held accountable.

Guterres also stated that he would continue to urge UN member states to fulfill their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel at all times.

Appreciation for Indonesia

In his remarks, Guterres thanked Indonesia for its contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, noting that Indonesia is the sixth-largest contributor of personnel to these missions globally.

“The UN ‘Blue Helmets’ are a source of hope in some of the world’s most volatile places. For me, they are also a source of immense pride,” said Guterres. He thanked Indonesia for its long-standing support for UN peacekeeping operations, including its role as a co-host -,alongside the Netherlands,- for next year’s Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting.

Nearly 2,000 Indonesian uniformed personnel -,both men and women,- are currently serving as peacekeepers across seven missions worldwide. This includes a mission in the Central African Republic, which will soon deploy additional Indonesian personnel.

Guterres said the UN relies on the dedication and professionalism of about 50,000 peacekeepers serving in various regions worldwide.

He noted that these peacekeepers carry out their duties in dangerous environments, far from their families and home countries. They play a vital role in de-escalating tensions between hostile parties, overseeing the delivery of essential aid, and protecting civilians.

Furthermore, peacekeeping forces help create the space for political solutions to take root, paving the way toward sustainable peace.