TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia will send 300 military personnel to Lebanon and Central Africa under the auspices of the United Nations (UN). The troops comprise of the Marine Garuda Contingent XXVIII-J/United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) and Kizi Konga XXXVII-D Multi-Dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (Minusca).

The National Armed Forces (TNI) commander General Gatot Nurmantyo addressed the troops at the Military Sealift Command Base (Kolinlamil) in North Jakarta yesterday, August 24. He stressed the importance of Indonesia’s credibility through peace missions. “The assignment of UN peace mission for the TNI is not only a military operation but it also has political and diplomatic nature,” he said.

Gatot called on the troops to view the peace mission as a special task. “Because you have been trusted to be the ambassadors of the TNI, the nation and country at international fora.”

The Konga XXVIII-J/Unifil Marine Task Force boasts 100 personnel comprising 65 marines and 35 supporting personnel.

The XXVIII-J/Unifil Marine Task Force will hold sea patrols and tackle smuggling from outside Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Kizi Konga XXXVII-D/Minusca Task Force has 200 personnel comprising 176 Army personnel, 19 Navy personnel and 5 Air Force personnel.

The task force will perform several tasks, such as to build roads in the African jungle to support the Civilian Military Coordination initiative.

YOHANES PASKALIS PAE DALE