JAKARTA: Indonesians have begun observing Palestine Solidarity Month to express unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and to denounce Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Indonesia, a long-time supporter of Palestine, has refrained from establishing diplomatic ties with Israel, advocating for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories and a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.
The annual Palestine Solidarity Month, organized by the Aqsa Working Group (AWG), aims to reinforce Indonesia’s commitment to the Palestinian people, especially in light of the recent Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Rifa Berliana Arifin, Chair for Palestine Solidarity Month at AWG, stated, “The purpose of solidarity, displayed by Indonesians and others around the world, shows that Israel is an invader and the (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s government is a barbaric administration.” This year’s observance coincides with escalating Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7. During the past three weeks, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 8,500 casualties in Gaza, with a majority being children and women, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
AWG, in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee of the Indonesian House of Representatives, the Indonesian Ulema Council, and pro-Palestine NGOs across the country, is leading this year’s Palestine Solidarity Month. The month-long campaign seeks a ceasefire and an end to the Zionist occupation of Palestine. The collective expression of solidarity holds immense significance in supporting the Palestinian struggle.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo condemned Israeli attacks, pledging to send humanitarian assistance to Gaza. He stressed Indonesia’s firm stance in condemning indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian facilities in Gaza and called for an immediate halt to the violence.
Palestine Solidarity Month in Indonesia reinforces the country’s dedication to standing with Palestine and advocating for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
