Indonesia Army Forces Ready to Enforce Peace in Lebanon

Jakarta - The commander of the Indonesia Army Forces (TNI), Admiral TNI Agus Suhartono, stated that 1,169 Indonesian soldiers of the Garuda Contingent (Konga) are ready to enforce peace and security, by joining hands with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Admiral Agus assembled the soldiers in the TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday. The soldiers will depart to Lebanon at the end of November 2012 and will be on duty for a year. The troops consist of 850 personnel from the TNI Mechanic Battalion of Konga XXIII-G, led by Major Infantry Lucky Avianto, and 75 personnel from the Military Police Unit (MPU) of Konga XXV-E, led by Lieutenant Colonel Cpm Subiyakto. 150 personnel from the Force Protection Company (FPC) of Konga XXVI-E2, led by Major Inf. Yuri Eliyas and 50 personnel from the Task Force Headquarters Support Unit (SFQSU) of Konga XXVI-E1, led by Colonel Inf. Karmin Suharna, are also part of the contingent. In addition, six personnel from the TNI CIMIC Task Force of Konga XXXI-C, led by Lieutenant Inf. Ilyas, 18 personnel from the Military Community Outreach Unit Task Force (MCOU) of Konga XXX-C, led by Major Inf. Nasrul, nine personnel from the Level 2 Hospital Task Force XXIX-E, led by Lieutenant Col. Dr. Paul Supriyono and 11 personnel from Milstaf Seceast, led by Colonel Inf. Rezerius, are also included in the squad. Admiral Agus said on September 23 2012, the United Nations Security Council renewed the mandate of UN peacekeeping force on Lebanon until 2013. The renewal is intended to assure that there is no intimidation against the UNIFIL. He said that the renewal was decided as a response to the public¿s worries, in light of the conflict in the neighbouring country, Suriah. Admiral Agus urged the soldiers to understand and possess the correct regulation of engagement and procedures. Soldiers should be aware of the present condition in Lebanon, and they need to take responsible and appropriate decisions, without disregarding the "eight obligations of TNI". "Soldiers should be strong, and they should stay united. They should communication with soldiers from other countries, who are part of the same UN mission," Admiral Agus said. He reminded the soldiers that they should make their country proud and live up to a soldier's regulations such as Sapta Marga, a soldier's vows and the "eight obligations of TNI".(*)