TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Indonesian Army has said that preparations are underway to repatriate the body of Chief Private (Praka) Rico Pramudia from Beirut, Lebanon, following his death while serving in a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
Army Information Service Head Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono said Indonesia’s representatives are currently handling the administrative process for the repatriation.
“The administrative process for the repatriation of the late soldier is underway, and the TNI has conveyed condolences to the family. The funeral arrangement will be carried out according to the family’s decision,” Donny said in an official statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
However, he did not confirm when the body would be returned from Beirut.
Donny added that the Indonesian Army extended its deepest condolences and highest respect to Praka Rico Pramudia, who died while serving efforts to maintain peace in Lebanon.
With his death, a total of four Indonesian soldiers have now been killed in two separate incidents during the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission in southern Lebanon. The fallen personnel include posthumously promoted Maj. Inf. Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Sgt. Muhammad Nur Ichwan, Cpl. Farizal Rhomadhon, and Praka Rico Pramudia.
Previously, the Ministry of Defense said Praka Rico was among three soldiers injured in an attack in Lebanon on March 29. He suffered serious injuries, while two others sustained minor wounds and received medical treatment.
The troops were injured after an Indonesian contingent post in Adshit al-Qusair, southern Lebanon, came under artillery fire. In the same incident, Cpl. Farizal Rhomadhon was killed on the spot.
Rico, who suffered critical injuries, was evacuated to St. George Hospital in Beirut by helicopter for intensive care. Despite weeks of treatment, he later died at the hospital.
Read: Indonesia Mourns UN Peacekeeper Who Died from Injuries in Lebanon
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