RI-Israel relations

RI-Israel relations

From Republika

Looking at the history of the establishment of the Jewish state Israel, we will agree that it was the annexation of an Arab territory, especially Palestine. What hurts even more is that the Masjidil Aqsha is on that territory. It is the first kiblat for Muslims, the majority of the people in Indonesia. Due to that fact it is clear that in accordance with the Indonesian Constitution we do not recognize the existence of Israel. Consequently, the state does not maintain relations that are formal in nature, both economic and trade relations and diplomatic relations.

If the argument used by President Abdurrahman Wahid and his small number of assistants that not all Jewish people are bad and that trade cooperation will be in the context of improving the Indonesian economy, why must the cooperation be with Israel? Historically speaking, it has a high level of rejection in the majority of Indonesia's community. There are many Arab, Asian and European countries which can be asked for cooperation. And I believe that the majority of the Indonesian people would rather accept a resumption of trade cooperation with Australia.

I would like to ask the political party figures now in the Cabinet, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Nur Mahmudi Ismail and Hamzah Haz, and also the people's representatives in the high state institutions, for their contribution, at least a statement of their stance, to challenge the President's policy.

That is my simple logic as an ordinary citizen. God willing, millions of Indonesian people have the same logic.

MARDANUS

Jakarta