Indonesia secures airport for airport for return of fallen peacekeepers

Tangerang (ANTARA) - Indonesia has deployed 90 joint personnel to secure Soekarno-Hatta International Airport ahead of the arrival of three soldiers killed during a United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon on March 29.Airport police chief Senior Commissioner Wisnu Wardana said on Saturday the contingent includes police, military and aviation security officers assigned to safeguard the area.

The personnel will implement comprehensive security measures covering the landing zone, access routes to Terminal 3 and the VVIP lounge, where a memorial ceremony will be held.

Wardana said security arrangements could be expanded if President Prabowo Subianto attends the ceremony.

“In that scenario, the military will take the lead, while the police will provide support at designated points,” he said.

He also assured the public that the airport and surrounding areas remain safe and stable ahead of the arrival.

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According to the official schedule, the remains of the soldiers will be flown from Istanbul, Turkiye, on a Turkish Airlines flight.

The aircraft is expected to land at Terminal 3, where President Prabowo is scheduled to pay his final respects.

Following the ceremony, the bodies will be transported to their hometowns via Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta.

Indonesia earlier confirmed that the three peacekeepers were serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

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They were killed after Israeli strikes hit UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, leaving five other personnel injured.

The fallen soldiers were identified as Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, First Sergeant Muhammad Nur and Private First Class Farizal Rhomadhon.

All three were posthumously promoted by one rank in recognition of their service.

On April 2, UNIFIL Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara led a tribute ceremony in Beirut.

The ceremony was held at a Lebanese Air Force hangar and attended by Indonesian diplomats, United Nations representatives and Lebanese military officials.