Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, has always been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause. For decades, Indonesia has stood firmly in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination and statehood. And now, as the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues to escalate, Indonesia is seeking to play a more active role in seeking a resolution to this long-standing issue. With its strong moral stance and diplomatic efforts, Indonesia is determined to make a positive impact and bring peace to the region.
Indonesia’s support for Palestine can be traced back to its founding principles as a nation. The country’s first President, Sukarno, was a vocal advocate for the rights of oppressed people around the world, including the Palestinians. He firmly believed that Indonesia, as a newly independent nation, had a responsibility to stand up for justice and support those who were struggling against colonialism and foreign aggression.
Since then, Indonesia has consistently voiced its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause at various international platforms. In 1962, Indonesia became the first Asian country to recognize the State of Palestine. In 1988, it was one of the first countries to officially recognize the State of Palestine as a member of the United Nations. And in 2018, Indonesia played a crucial role in pushing for the UN General Assembly to adopt a resolution condemning the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Indonesia’s support for Palestine goes beyond just symbolic gestures. The country has also provided significant financial aid and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. In 2014, during the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, Indonesia pledged $1 million in aid to help the victims of the conflict. In addition, Indonesia has also sent medical teams and supplies to Palestine, and provided scholarships to Palestinian students to study in Indonesia.
Now, as the violence between Israel and Palestine reaches its peak, Indonesia is once again stepping up its efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The country’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, has been actively engaging with her counterparts in the region and across the world to find a way to de-escalate the situation and bring an end to the bloodshed.
Indonesia’s President, Joko Widodo, has also been vocal in his support for Palestine and has called for an immediate ceasefire. In a recent statement, he reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to the two-state solution, with an independent and sovereign Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security. He also urged the international community to take concrete actions to end the violence and protect the rights of the Palestinian people.
One of the key ways Indonesia is seeking to play a more active role in resolving the conflict is through its membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Indonesia, as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, holds significant influence within the organization. It has been actively using this platform to push for a united stance on the Palestinian issue and to mobilize support from other member countries.
In addition to its diplomatic efforts, Indonesia is also looking at other ways to support the Palestinian people. The country is exploring the possibility of establishing a humanitarian corridor to provide aid and support to the Palestinians in need. It is also considering hosting a summit of Muslim leaders to discuss and find a solution to the ongoing crisis.
Indonesia’s efforts to bring peace to the region have not gone unnoticed. The Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun, recently expressed his gratitude for Indonesia’s unwavering support, stating that “Indonesia has always been a true friend and a strong supporter of Palestine.” He also praised Indonesia’s efforts in mobilizing support from the international community and its role in pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s strong and consistent support for the Palestinian cause is a testament to its commitment to justice and human rights. The country’s efforts to play a more active role in seeking a resolution to the conflict are commendable and should be supported by the international community. As the violence continues to escalate, it is crucial for countries like Indonesia to step up and use their influence to bring an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and pave the way for a just and lasting peace in the region.
