Observer: Indonesia Can Expand International Support for Palestine
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is considered capable of expanding international support for Palestine by mobilising backing from nations outside the group that has traditionally been consistent in supporting the Palestinian struggle.
“Indonesia can mobilise support beyond the circles that have so far solidly supported Palestine. Indonesia’s membership in several UN organs can be maximised to conduct lobbying,” said Muhammad Syaroni Rofii, an International Relations Observer from the University of Indonesia, when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday.
He noted a shift in attitude among several Western nations regarding the Palestinian issue. According to him, the European Union, as an institution, condemns Israel’s actions in Gaza, including plans for settlement construction in the E1 area, which has also been criticised by EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
He also highlighted the stance of UK Mayor Andy Burnham, who openly criticised the injustice experienced by the Palestinian people.
He further argued that Indonesia’s position in various United Nations organs and forums can be utilised to strengthen diplomacy while building broader support for the realisation of an independent Palestinian state.
Furthermore, Syaroni stated that the majority of UN member states have already recognised Palestine.
“Looking at the trend of support within the UN, the majority of countries have recognised Palestine. Only the United States and a few other nations still refuse. Indonesia and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) need to convince the US that the two-state solution option must be implemented immediately,” he said.
During the meeting of the Global Alliance of Ministers for the Implementation of a Two-State Solution at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, on 23 September, Indonesia urged the accelerated implementation of a two-state solution amidst ongoing violence and displacement in Palestine.
“The Palestinian people continue to face violence and displacement. We must end this reality,” said Sugiono, the Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs for the period 21 October 2024 to 1 October 2026.
Sugiono further explained that one year after the adoption of the New York Declaration and Security Council Resolution 2803, international support for a two-state solution continues to increase. More countries have also recognised the State of Palestine.
“We now have the opportunity and the responsibility to transform this evolving political momentum into concrete and collective action,” he said.