In Front Of The Ambassador, Defense Minister Prabowo Affirms Indonesia's Consistency In Supporting Palestine's Independence

Illustration-Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto (right) and Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair SM Al Shun (left) (ANTARA/HO)

JAKARTA - Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, reiterated Indonesia's support for a two-state solution that is believed to bring peace in Palestine.

This was conveyed by Prabowo when receiving a courtesy call from the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair SM Al Shun at the Ministry of Defense, Jakarta, Thursday, February 3.

"Indonesia is very willing to help in efforts to increase the prospect of this solution", said the Defense Minister in a written statement quoted by Antara, Friday, February 4.

Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia's support for Palestinian independence has been consistently conveyed on various occasions, starting from world forums, regional forums, and other official meetings. This is also by the constitutional mandate contained in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.

The first paragraph of the 1945 Constitution contains the commitment and belief of the Indonesian nation: "That in fact independence is the right of all nations and therefore, colonialism in the world must be abolished because it is not by humanity and justice".

The Palestinian Ambassador, at the meeting, welcomed and appreciated the consistency of the Indonesian government and people in supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people.

Post-war Israeli authorities in 1967 still control the borders, taxes, and distribution channels of goods in and out of Palestine. Not only that, forcible land grabbing and illegal settlements on lands owned by Palestinians are often carried out by Israel.

Human rights organization Amnesty International earlier this month confirmed that Israel has been practicing apartheid against Palestinians.

The practice of apartheid, which is a crime against humanity, is carried out through Israeli policies that seek to segregate, seize property rights, and isolate Palestinians.

Amnesty International reports on the practice of apartheid based on a 211-page report containing research and analysis on the confiscation of land and property belonging to Palestinians, unlawful killings, forced transfers, and denial of citizenship by Israeli authorities.