Indonesia's Openness To Israel: Contingent On Palestine Recognition

Luna Greco

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Post on May 29, 2025

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Indonesia's Stance on Palestine: A Cornerstone of Foreign Policy

Indonesia's unwavering support for Palestine is deeply rooted in its history and foreign policy principles. As a nation that emerged from colonial rule, Indonesia strongly champions self-determination and has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights in various international forums. This commitment stems from its long-standing belief in the principles of anti-colonialism, human rights, and Islamic solidarity, key tenets of its non-aligned movement legacy. Indonesia's active participation in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) further solidifies its dedication to the Palestinian cause.

• Long-standing commitment to the two-state solution: Indonesia consistently calls for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state.
• Active participation in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Palestinian issues: Indonesia plays a significant role in OIC initiatives aimed at supporting Palestine and condemning Israeli actions.
• Consistent condemnation of Israeli settlements and actions against Palestinians: Indonesia regularly criticizes Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied territories and human rights violations against Palestinians.
• Provision of humanitarian aid to Palestine: Indonesia provides financial and material assistance to support the Palestinian people.

The Obstacles to Full Diplomatic Relations with Israel

Several significant hurdles impede the normalization of relations between Indonesia and Israel. The most prominent is the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, characterized by the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the construction of settlements, and persistent concerns regarding human rights violations. These issues resonate deeply within Indonesian society, where public opinion largely opposes normalization without a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian problem. The unresolved status of Jerusalem, the blockade of Gaza, and the displacement of Palestinian refugees further exacerbate the situation.

• The unresolved status of Jerusalem: The issue of Jerusalem's status remains a major point of contention, hindering any progress towards peace.
• The ongoing blockade of Gaza: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stemming from the blockade, further fuels anti-Israel sentiment in Indonesia.
• Concerns about human rights abuses in occupied territories: Reports of human rights violations by Israeli forces in the occupied territories significantly impact Indonesian public opinion.
• Strong public sentiment against Israel within Indonesia: A significant portion of the Indonesian population harbors strong negative feelings towards Israel due to the ongoing conflict and its perceived injustices.

Conditions for Improved Relations: The Palestinian State as a Precondition

Indonesia's position is clear: full diplomatic relations with Israel are contingent upon substantial progress towards a just and lasting peace based on international law. This means significant movement towards a two-state solution, including the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. Incremental engagement might be possible if substantial progress is made on key issues, but full normalization will only occur with a resolution that addresses the core concerns of the Palestinians.

• Establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital: This is a non-negotiable prerequisite for Indonesia.
• End of the occupation of Palestinian territories: The complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories is essential.
• Resolution of the refugee issue in accordance with international law: A fair and just solution to the Palestinian refugee issue is crucial for lasting peace.
• Guarantees for the security and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians: Sustainable peace requires security guarantees for both sides.

Potential Areas for Cooperation (despite limited relations)

Despite the limitations in diplomatic relations, there is potential for cooperation in specific areas. These could include technological exchange in sectors like agriculture and renewable energy, as well as limited people-to-people diplomacy focused on cultural exchange programs. Such collaborations would need to be carefully managed to avoid undermining the core Indonesian commitment to the Palestinian cause.

Conclusion

Indonesia's relationship with Israel is inextricably linked to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Indonesia's unwavering support for Palestine, its condemnation of Israeli actions in occupied territories, and its insistence on a two-state solution as a precondition for normalization are key elements in understanding this complex dynamic. While limited cooperation in specific areas might be possible, full diplomatic relations with Israel remain firmly contingent on achieving a just and lasting peace that respects the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians. The future of Indonesia's openness to Israel rests on achieving a just resolution to the Palestinian issue. Staying informed about developments in the region and advocating for a peaceful resolution are crucial steps towards fostering a more stable and just Middle East.