Observer: Indonesia's Support for Palestine has remained Consistent since the Sukarno Era
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Muhammad Syaroni Rofii, an International Relations observer at the University of Indonesia (UI), assesses that Indonesia’s support for the struggle and independence of Palestine demonstrates consistency from the era of President Soekarno to the current administration.
“I see that Indonesia’s role in supporting Palestinian independence has shown consistency from one administration to the next. From the era of Bung Karno until today, the standing point remains resistant to world colonialism,” he said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday.
According to Syaroni, Indonesia’s stance of opposing colonialism and supporting Palestinian independence serves as the common thread in foreign policy across successive governments, even though the specific approaches used may vary.
“Of course, every administration has its own approach to supporting Palestinian independence,” he noted.
He stated that Indonesia’s support is also realised through humanitarian aid and capacity building for Palestine, such as the shipment of medicines and food during crises, the construction of hospitals, the provision of scholarships for Palestinian youth, and training for Palestinian government officials.
In his view, these various efforts are undertaken both directly by the government and by Indonesian community organisations.
He added that the statement by President Prabowo Subianto during the Thanksgiving Reception for the 100th Anniversary of Pondok Pesantren Darussalam Gontor in Ponorogo Regency, East Java, on 19 September, which reaffirmed support for Palestinian independence, further strengthens Indonesia’s position.
“The steps taken so far are essential elements of diplomacy. The challenge moving forward is how to pursue the target of full independence for Palestine,” he said.
Sugiono, who was serving as Indonesia’s Foreign Minister at the time, emphasised Indonesia’s determination to remain with the Palestinian people during the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, until their right to self-determination is achieved.
Indonesia will also continue to defend the Palestinian people until Palestinian independence and sovereignty are realised based on the two-state solution principle, grounded in international law and internationally agreed parameters.
“Palestine is not just an issue for one region. Palestine is a test to see whether the multilateral system can defend the principles it has created and whether they can be enforced when most needed,” he concluded.