Indonesia Appreciates Australia's Affirmation of Commitment Regarding Two-State Solution and Cancellation of Jerusalem's Recognition

Illustration of the Jerusalem area. (Wikimedia Commons/Jfragments)

JAKARTA - Indonesia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciates Australia's attitude to cancel the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, as well as affirmation of a two-state solution to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the Australian Government's choice to return to its old position, related to the recognition of Jerusalem. Foreign Minister Wong said the decision was made by the Cabinet of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday, October 18.

"Indonesia welcomes Australia's decision under PM Albanese which has withdrawn recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This Australian policy is expected to contribute positively to efforts to peacefully resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict", the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on its Twitter account.

"Indonesia also appreciates the reaffirmation of Australia's commitment to supporting peaceful efforts based on a two-state solution with internationally recognized territorial boundaries", the tweet continued.

As previously reported, the Australian Government overturned the previous government's decision regarding the recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, assessing that the previous decision caused a change in the position of the Kangaroo Country.

The previous Australian government, led by former Coalition Prime Minister Scott Morrison, recognized West Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2018, following an announcement made by former US President Donald Trump.

Foreign Minister Wong told reporters Mr. Morrison's decision "puts Australia out of the way of the majority of the international community", and was greeted with concern by neighboring Muslim-majority Indonesia.

"I regret that Mr. Morrison's decision to play politics has resulted in a shift in Australia's position, and the suffering of this change has caused many people in the Australian community to care deeply about this issue", said Foreign Minister Wong.

To note, Jerusalem is home to sites that are very sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians. The issue is so thorny that negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have left the question of Jerusalem to the final stages of any peace deal.

Indonesia welcomes Australia's decision under Prime Minister Albanese to withdraw the recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This Australian policy is expected to contribute positively to efforts to resolve the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

— MoFA Indonesia (@Kemlu_RI) October 18, 2022