Alwi lays out routes for Indonesian-Israeli trade ties

JAKARTA (JP): Although a plan to open trade ties with Israel has been postponed, Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab said on Tuesday trade between the two states would continue to increase.

"It's not government-to-government relations, but people-to- people relations. We cannot reject it," Alwi said during a hearing with House of Representatives Commission I for defense, security, foreign affairs, information and legal affairs.

He said President Abdurrahman Wahid received a letter from Jewish-American businessman George Soros expressing his desire to invest in Indonesia and offering to make donations through his social foundations.

Alwi said he would receive 10 Jewish businessmen from New York on Wednesday to discuss investment possibilities in the country.

Several Jewish businessmen have invested in Indonesia through Dutch and American firms since President Abdurrahman announced his desire to open trade ties with Israel, he said.

Shortly after being elected President, Abdurrahman unveiled plans to open trade ties with Israel. The announcement sparked a public outcry, with many expressing fear the move would lead to full diplomatic relations with the Jewish state.

Alwi reiterated that having trade ties with Israel did not violate Islamic law, saying the Prophet Muhammad traded with the Jews.

He also said ties with Israel could help Indonesia achieve its political objectives at an international level because of the strong Israeli lobby in the United States.

Legislator Effendi Choirie from the National Awakening Party (PKB) shared Alwi's view.

"The President is trying to show that Islam is friendly, inclusive and a blessing to all people," he said.

Legislator Sophan Sophiaan from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said he agreed with Alwi, but urged the government to heed the wishes of the people.

"Our party has not yet decided its stance on the issue," Sophan said.

Legislator Slamet Effendi Yusuf from Golkar Party said if trade ties with Israel were established, they should be limited to the people of Israel, not the government. (jun)