PKS Pushes Free and Active Diplomacy to Support Palestinian Independence
The Foreign Affairs and Overseas Development Board of the PKS Central Executive Board (DPP PKS) held its Seven Continents Dialogue on the theme “Indonesia’s Free and Active Diplomacy in the Dynamics of the Palestinian Issue” online on Saturday (29/8). Conducted via Zoom Meeting, the dialogue addressed the role of Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy in responding to developments surrounding the Palestinian issue, whilst also encouraging concrete diplomatic steps to support Palestinian independence.
Muhammad Arfian, Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Overseas Development Board of the DPP PKS, said the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence also served as the momentum for holding the event. The DPP PKS views Indonesia’s independence not merely as a historical legacy, but also as a moral mandate to help defend nations still facing colonisation. The spirit of Islam as a mercy to all creation (rahmatan lil ’alamin) was also emphasised at the forum, particularly in efforts to promote justice, uphold human dignity, and achieve lasting peace.
He said the forum was held amidst the continuing suffering of the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The DPP PKS believes the situation requires a peace mechanism that is effective, just, inclusive, and prioritises the protection of civilians.
At the dialogue, Arfian said, participants discussed how the principle of a free and active foreign policy could be translated into diplomatic steps to push for an end to violence, humanitarian recovery, and the fulfilment of the Palestinian people’s right to independence.
“One issue of concern is Indonesia’s involvement in the Board of Peace (BoP). This involvement was marked by the signing of the charter by the President of the Republic of Indonesia in January 2026 and Indonesia’s participation in the forum’s inaugural meeting in February 2026,” he said, quoted on Monday (7/9).
He said Indonesia’s participation in the BoP opens up new room as well as new strategic responsibilities in international diplomacy. Therefore, Indonesia’s role in the forum needs to be assessed to ensure it remains aligned with the principles of a free and active foreign policy, international law, the two-state solution, and the interests of the Palestinian people.
The discussion was also linked to the mandate of the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, which affirms Indonesia’s commitment to abolishing colonialism throughout the world and to participating in the establishment of a world order based on independence, lasting peace, and social justice.
Through the forum, according to Arfian, the DPP PKS encouraged a stronger understanding of the relevance of Indonesia’s free and active diplomacy amid global dynamics, including consistency in diplomatic support for Palestinian independence.
The forum was also directed at formulating policy recommendations that are concrete, adaptive, and implementable, as well as improving public and stakeholder understanding of Indonesia’s position and the global response to developments in Palestine.
“The Foreign Affairs and Overseas Development Board is a component of the DPP PKS that carries out the strengthening of diplomacy, networks, and overseas development as part of PKS’s contribution to global issues, national interests, humanity, and world peace,” he concluded.
The speakers at the dialogue were Syahrul Aidi Maazat, Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Board of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), and Shofwan Al Banna Choiruzzad, an international relations academic from the University of Indonesia. The discussion was moderated by R. Agoeng Wibowo and hosted by Tholhah. Participants comprised DPP PKS officials, PKS provincial chairs (DPW) from across Indonesia, PKS overseas representatives, as well as PKS members and sympathisers from various countries.