Palestinian Ambassador Applauds Megawati's Consistent Support for Palestine

JAKARTA – The fifth president of the Republic of Indonesia and PDIP Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri received a visit from Palestine’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdalfatah A.K. Alsattari, at her residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday. During the meeting, Ambassador Alsattari thanked Megawati for her consistent support for Palestine in opposing Israeli Zionism. He stated that Palestine continues to struggle and suffer under Israeli Zionism. ‘Tens of thousands of buildings and homes have been destroyed, countless lives lost, and civilians—mostly women and children—suffering. It is also tragic that 200 journalists have lost their lives. Israel is destroying the hopes of the Palestinian people,’ Alsattari said in a written statement on Monday. The Palestinian ambassador added that Israel claims Hamas is the reason for the attacks, but hospitals, schools, and churches do not belong to Hamas. The 200 journalists who lost their lives were not part of Hamas either. Therefore, Alsattari expressed appreciation and gratitude for Megawati’s consistent advocacy for Palestinian independence. In response, Megawati was deeply moved, her voice breaking as she recalled Indonesia’s long struggle against oppression. The suffering of the Palestinian people deeply affected her. Megawati stated she fully understands the struggle and significance of the Palestinian people and other nations seeking independence. She also recalled that at the 1955 Bandung Asian-African Conference, the independence of Palestine was championed by attendees. ‘All nations have the right to determine their own destiny. I have always supported the position that Indonesia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until the Palestinian people achieve independence,’ Megawati stressed. Megawati also reiterated calls for UN reform, urging it to play a more active role in the volatile and turbulent geopolitical landscape, as she has done in various forums and meetings with ambassadors and diplomats. ‘Israel may destroy physically, but I believe every Palestinian heart carries an unyielding spirit and strong resolve for freedom. Just as Indonesia achieved independence, I am confident that full Palestinian independence will one day be realised. As Bung Karno once urged, we must always support Palestine’s freedom,’ Megawati said. Megawati then encouraged the ambassador and Palestinian people to stay strong. ‘Be strong,’ she said. The Palestinian ambassador replied that he and the Palestinian people will remain resilient, praying for Megawati’s health and strength. Afterwards, the ambassador jokingly challenged Megawati to a boxing match. Attending the meeting were PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto, PDIP Central Executive Board member Ahmad Basarah, Director of Foreign Relations Hanjaya Setiawan, and PDIP politician M. Guntur Romli. Earlier today, Megawati also received India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, at her residence.