Jakarta. Thousands of Muslims gathered outside the United States Embassy in Jakarta on Sunday to protest the deaths of three Indonesian soldiers serving in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.

The demonstration, organized by the Council of Islamic Organizations (MOI), had filled Jalan Merdeka Selatan heading west by 8:30 a.m. The crowd — many carrying Palestinian and Indonesian flags — extended as far as the National Monument gate near Gambir Station. Some participants were seen attending with young children and infants.

Across from the embassy, a two-meter-high stage was erected beside concrete barricades, where speakers delivered speeches. Behind the stage, large images of the three fallen Indonesian soldiers were displayed.

The soldiers — Major Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Chief Sergeant M. Nur Ichwan, and Second Corporal Farizal Rhomadhon — were part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and were killed in an attack attributed to Israel.

Their funerals were held with full military honors in their respective hometowns on Sunday.

In addition to prayers for the fallen soldiers, protesters voiced calls for Palestinian independence. Throughout the rally, participants waved Palestinian flags as speeches and songs were delivered.

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