750,000 Displaced Since 1948: Palestine Commemorates Nakba in Jakarta

The 78th anniversary of Al-Nakba was commemorated at the Palestinian Embassy in Jakarta on Monday (18/05/2026). The event served as a reminder of the tragedy involving the displacement of more than 750,000 Palestinians from their homeland on 14 May 1948, following Israel’s declaration of independence after the end of the British Mandate for Palestine.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdalfatah A.K. Alsattari, delivered a speech during the ceremony. He emphasised that this year’s Nakba commemoration feels increasingly poignant amidst the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to prolonged attacks and blockades.

According to Al-Sattari, the suffering of the Palestinian people has never ceased since the 1948 tragedy, known as Nakba or ‘catastrophe’ in Arabic. This event remains the symbol of the mass displacement of Palestinians who lost their homes and lands.

In his address, Al-Sattari also referenced the 1967 war, during which Israel managed to occupy several Arab territories in just six days. He noted that, to this day, Gaza remains a symbol of Palestinian resistance despite the continuous conflict and blockade.

Every year, Palestinians commemorate Nakba through demonstrations and by carrying keys to houses as a representation of their hope to return to their homeland. In addition to diplomatic speeches, the 78th anniversary of Al-Nakba at the Palestinian Embassy featured various solidarity activities to show support for the Palestinian struggle.