Palestinian Ambassador Expresses Gratitude to Megawati Soekarnoputri for Support

Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdalfatah A.K. Alsattari, expressed gratitude for the consistent support of Indonesia’s fifth president and PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri towards Palestine in its struggle against Israeli occupation. Palestine continues to fight and suffer from Israeli occupation. “Tens of thousands of buildings and homes have been destroyed, countless lives lost, and civilians—mostly women and children—endure immense hardship. It is also heartbreaking that 200 journalists have lost their lives. Israel is crushing the hopes of the Palestinian people,” Ambassador Alsattari said during his visit to Megawati’s residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday, 25 May 2026. Ambassador Alsattari stated that Israel cites Hamas as the reason for its attacks on Palestine. However, hospitals, schools, and churches do not belong to Hamas, nor do the approximately 200 journalists who have lost their lives. Therefore, the Palestinian Ambassador expressed appreciation and gratitude for Megawati’s consistent advocacy for Palestinian independence. Moved by his words, Megawati, with tears in her voice, said, “Remember Indonesia’s long struggle against oppression.” Megawati recounted how her father, Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, often spoke of the Palestinian people’s struggle for independence. She added that she deeply understands the Palestinian people’s fight and the significance of freedom for nations seeking self-determination. Megawati also recalled that the Bandung Conference of 1955, attended by Asian and African nations, declared support for Palestinian independence. “All nations have the right to self-determination. I have always supported the stance that Indonesia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until the Palestinian people achieve independence,” she said. In various forums and meetings with ambassadors and diplomats, Megawati reiterated her call for United Nations (UN) reform to enhance its role in the volatile and turbulent geopolitical landscape. “Israel may destroy physically, but I am certain that every Palestinian heart harbours an unyielding spirit and a fierce determination for freedom. Just like Indonesia, I am confident that full Palestinian independence will one day be achieved. As Bung Karno also urged, we must always support Palestinian independence,” she said. The meeting concluded with Ambassador Alsattari presenting Megawati with a red keffiyeh. He then raised his fingers in a ‘V’ sign for victory, symbolising his hopes for Palestinian triumph. Megawati encouraged the ambassador and the Palestinian people, urging them to stay strong. “Be strong,” she said. The Palestinian ambassador responded that he and his people would remain resilient, and he wished Megawati good health and strength. Following this, the Palestinian ambassador jokingly challenged Megawati to a boxing match. During the meeting, Megawati was accompanied by PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto, PDIP Central Executive Committee Chairman Ahmad Basarah, Foreign Relations Director Hanjaya Setiawan, and PDIP politician M. Guntur Romli. Previously, Megawati also received the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, at her residence.