Jokowi Affirms Indonesia's Position, Support For Palestine Never Relieves

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that Indonesia's position was clear, that it defended Palestine and asked Palestine to be independent. He also praised the steps taken by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu). This was said by Jokowi in his remarks at the Inauguration of the Opening of the National Working Meeting of the Indonesian Islamic Da'wah Institute (LDII) in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 7. "Keep our support for Palestine will not subside," said the President in Jakarta, Tuesday. Jokowi on that occasion reminded about the impact of war between Ukraine and Russia, including the war in Palestine which has an impact on many countries in the world. He emphasized Indonesia's support for the independence of Palestine. He praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi in the Meeting of Security of the United Nations in New York, United States at the end of October 2023 who voiced out the Indonesian stance regarding Palestine. "Try to see the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Retno at the UN Security Council the loudest, the loudest, and most opposed," he said. Jokowi admitted that he was surprised by the tough attitude shown by Foreign Minister Retno in the forum. "I am also surprised that our Foreign Minister is a smooth person, but how come at the very galactic Security Council," said Jokowi. Meanwhile, General Chairperson of the Indonesian Islamic Da'wah Institute (LDII) Chriswanto Santoso in his speech conveyed that his party was very proud of the government's attitude in supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people. "First, the President's statement to continue to help Palestine. Also, we are very proud of the Foreign Minister's attitude at the UN DK Session which strongly voiced," said Chriswanto.

He expressed LDII's support for the Palestinian peaceful solution and the cessation of violence in Gaza. According to him, Indonesia as a nation that has been colonized for a long time and has felt suffering, deserves to support the struggle of the Palestinian people. "This is not a matter of religion but a matter of humanity," said Chriswanto.