Alwi lays out routes for Indonesian-Israeli trade ties
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)