PDIP: Support for Palestinian Independence is the Mandate of the Bandung Dasasila

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Central Executive Board of PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) states that Indonesia’s support for Palestinian independence is not merely an emotional political stance, but also a constitutional and international legal mandate, namely the Bandung Dasasila, which emerged from the 1955 Asian-African Conference (KAA). He recalled that in 1955, leaders from 29 countries signed a political communiqué that specifically supported the Arab nation’s rights over Palestine. “It is clearly stated that the tension in the Middle East due to the Palestinian issue is a danger to world peace. The KAA called for the implementation of UN resolutions and a peaceful settlement,” said PDIP Central Executive Board Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto at the opening of the national seminar titled “The Relevance of the Asian-African Movement in the Current Geopolitical Crisis” at the PDIP Party School, Jakarta, on Saturday. Through the 1955 KAA, according to him, Indonesia was a “beacon of justice” with an extraordinary historical track record. Thus, Indonesia’s position must remain steadfast as an exemplar in defending humanity and rejecting all forms of inter-nation exploitation. Without a strong historical foundation, Hasto believes Indonesia’s diplomacy would appear hesitant. Therefore, he continues to promote the narrative of liberation for oppressed nations as the core of Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy. On the other hand, he also considers Bung Karno’s geopolitical thinking, termed Progressive Geopolitical Co-existence, highly relevant for mitigating today’s global conflicts. That concept, he said, emphasises peaceful coexistence but remains progressive in fighting for social justice for the entire world. Therefore, he emphasised that history must serve as the basis for formulating Indonesia’s foreign policy and become a subject in international relations, not merely an object of global interests. Furthermore, Asia-Africa cooperation in the Bandung Dasasila, he said, must be reactualised to face current economic inequalities and technological dominance. “Bung Karno constructed a progressive geopolitical theory. He restored the exploitative economic structure inherited from colonialism into a self-reliant economy. This is what we must implement today so as not to depend on foreign powers,” Hasto stated.