Indonesia Deploys Peacekeeping Soldiers to Congo, Lebanon

President Jokowi, accompanied by Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and Minister of Foreign Affairs, takes photo with Garuda Contingent at the Indonesia Peace and Security Center (IPSC), Sentul, Bogor, Friday (31/8). (Photo by: Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung).

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed pride for the Indonesian Peacekeeping Soldiers that will soon be deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lebanon.

The President made the statement in his remarks during the deployment ceremony of the Rapidly Deployable Battalion (RDB) Task Force of Garuda Contingent XXXIX-A/Monusco Congo and Marine Task Force (MTF) XXVII-K Unifil Lebanon in Sentul, Bogor, Friday (31/8)

“Indonesia is proud for taking part in maintaining world peace and order in accordance with our Constitution,” President Jokowi said.

According to the President, Indonesia has a long history in peacekeeping mission. He cited that in 1957 Garuda Contingent was deployed to Sinai in Egypt – one decade after the independence of the country – and since 1957, Indonesia has sent more than 38,000 peacekeeping soldiers under the United Nations.

The President added that Indonesia is among the top 10 countries involved in UN peacekeeping mission and 3,532 Indonesian soldiers are currently serving in peacekeeping mission or 88.3% of the 4,000 target.

President Jokowi also expressed his pride that Garuda contingent will use domestic defense weaponry system (alutsista) in carrying out its mission and can show the world the reliability of Indonesian strategic industrial products.

On the occasion the President also said that Garuda Contingent in various UN missions is always welcomed by the locals and Indonesian soldiers can also easily mingle with the locals and respect local customs.

Indonesia’s contribution, President Jokowi added, is undeniable. “This is the trust that we should always maintain,” the President said, while urging the soldiers to understand and respect local customs, to be professional, to maintain discipline and to show dedication and loyalty.

“Please maintain positive attitude in the interaction with the locals and show respect to the soldiers from other countries,” the President added.

On behalf of the Indonesian Government and Indonesian people, President Jokowi also expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Garuda Contingent for their service.

Also present during the event were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, and Minister of Transportation Budi K. Sumadi.  (FID/AGG/ES) (RI/EP/Naster)