Minister of Communications Affirms Indonesia Will Not Normalise Relations with Israel After Joining Board of Peace

Minister of Communications and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid has affirmed that Indonesia is not normalising relations with Israel despite joining the Board of Peace (BoP) forum. Meutya assured that Indonesia’s foreign policy stance on Palestine remains unchanged.

“We haven’t changed — this is the most important point. The suggestion that we are normalising relations with Israel is simply not true,” Meutya said during the Blak-blakan programme on detikcom on Monday (23/2/2026).

She stressed that Indonesia has consistently advocated for conflict resolution through the principle of a two-state solution from the outset, adding that this is not a new policy position.

“From the beginning, our stance has been the two-state solution. This is not a new principle. A two-state solution means both parties are present — Palestine is independent, and Israel also exists,” she said.

The Golkar politician urged the public not to misinterpret Indonesia’s participation in the BoP, which Israel has also joined. She maintained that Israel’s presence in the forum does not imply that Indonesia has taken its side.

“So people shouldn’t assume that because Israel is also in the BoP, it somehow means we are leaning towards Israel — that is not the case. All, or more precisely nearly all, Muslim-majority countries are also part of the forum,” she said.

Meutya noted that virtually all Islamic nations or countries with Muslim-majority populations are also members of the forum. She argued it would therefore be unfair to single out Indonesia for its participation.

“In fact, it is important for Indonesia to be involved as the country with the world’s largest Muslim population, because we should be taking the lead. We are the ones who must be at the forefront, and it is time for Indonesia to take a leading step for Palestine,” she said.