Expert says RI’s support for Palestine consistent since Bung Karno era

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Jakarta (ANTARA) – International relations analyst at the University of Indonesia Muhammad Syaroni Rofii said Indonesia’s support for Palestinian independence has remained consistent from President Sukarno’s era through the current administration.

“I see consistency in Indonesia’s efforts to support Palestinian independence from one government to the next. Since Bung Karno’s era, its position has remained resistant to colonialism worldwide,” he told ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday.

Syaroni said opposition to colonialism and support for Palestinian independence have been a common thread in Indonesia’s foreign policy, although approaches have varied.

“Of course, every administration has its own approach to supporting Palestinian independence,” he said.

Indonesia’s support has also included humanitarian aid and capacity-building, including medicine and food deliveries during crises, hospital construction, scholarships for Palestinian youth and training for Palestinian government employees.

Such efforts have been carried out directly by the government as well as by Indonesian civil society organizations, Syaroni said.

He said President Prabowo Subianto’s remarks at a September 19 ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of Darussalam Gontor Islamic boarding school in Ponorogo, East Java, reinforced Indonesia’s position.

“The steps taken so far are important elements of diplomacy. What remains is how to pursue the goal of full Palestinian independence in the future,” he said.

Then-Foreign Minister Sugiono told the 81st UN General Assembly in New York that Indonesia would continue standing with Palestinians until they achieve their right to self-determination.

Indonesia will also continue defending Palestinians until an independent and sovereign Palestinian state is established under a two-state solution based on international law and internationally agreed parameters.

Sugiono said Palestine is a test of whether the multilateral system can uphold the principles on which it was founded and enforce them when they are most needed.