Indonesia Affirms Attitudes On Relations With Israel Amid Efforts To Enter OECD

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. (Photo: Aris Nurjani/VOI)

JAKARTA - The government has spoken about Indonesia's position in the possibility of normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel as one of the requirements to become a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The absence of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Israel is one of the challenges in Indonesia's efforts to achieve full OECD member status in 2027. This is because the mechanism for accepting new OECD members requires unanimous approval (unanimanious decision) from all member countries, including Israel.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that the membership process does require the approval of all members. However, regarding the issue of Israel that Indonesia's position is still following President Prabowo Subianto's direction.

"Membership certainly requires a unique decision from other members. Regarding [Israel], the President is clear in a speech at the United Nations. If Israel resolves the issue politically with Palestine, then that is the process regarding Indonesia (ongoing)," he said answering questions from the media crew at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy Office, Thursday, December 11.

Airlangga emphasized that there were no changes in the attitude or other statements that were outside the foreign policy set by the President, and the normalization of relations with Israel could only be carried out if the Palestinian conflict was resolved.

"So, there is no other statement except the President's statement in the UN speech," he said.

Sementara itu, Deputy Secretary-General OECD Frantisek Ruzicka turut menanggapi target Indonesia menjadi anggota penuh OECD pada 2027, karena kecepatan proses aksesi sangat bergantung pada kemampuan pemerintah Indonesia dalam menyesuaikan dan menerapkan regulasi sesuai standar OECD.

"Anda tahu lagu Don't Stop Believin'. Jadi, kita harus yakin. Namun, kecepatan proses bergantung pada kemampuan kedua belah pihak, terutama pemerintah Indonesia untuk mengadopsi legislasi. Jika Indonesia terus berproses seperti saat ini, ada peluang besar keanggotaan itu akan terjadi dalam waktu dekat (foreseeable future)," kata Ruzicka

Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary-General of OECD Frantisek Ruzicka also responded to Indonesia's target of becoming a full member of the OECD by 2027, because the speed of the accession process relies heavily on the ability of the Indonesian government to adjust and implement regulations according to OECD standards.

"You know the song Don't Stop Believin'. So, we have to be sure. However, the speed of the process depends on the ability of both parties, especially the Indonesian government to adopt legislation. If Indonesia continues to proceed as it is today, there is a great opportunity that membership will occur in the near future," said Ruzicka.