Foreign Minister Retno On Support For Palestine And Normalization Of Relations Between Indonesia And Israel

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (Source: Antara)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that Indonesia does not plan to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel. This was conveyed in the midst of many Arab countries that normalize relations with Israel.

Apart from the absence of plans to open diplomatic relations with Israel, Retno also reiterated Indonesia's support for Palestinian independence.

"Observing a number of reports that say that Indonesia will soon normalize relations with Israel, and as a follow-up to the President's direction to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I say that until now there is no intention of Indonesia to open diplomatic relations with Israel," said Retno in a press conference from Jakarta, Wednesday, December 16.

"Indonesia's support for Palestinian independence based on a two-state solution and other agreed international parameters will consistently be carried out," he said.

The Indonesian government has long expressed firm support for the sovereign rights of Palestine, amid a long conflict with Israel. This defense is also one of Indonesia's agendas in leadership as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Apart from political support, Indonesia also provides financial assistance and capacity building programs as a form of solidarity with Palestine. As reported last July, the Indonesian government has disbursed funds of around Rp. 36.5 billion as humanitarian assistance for Palestinian refugees, in the midst of a conflict situation, which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

The funds were channeled to the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in the amount of one million US dollars (around Rp.14.6 billion) and to the International Commission of the Red Cross (ICRC) for 500 thousand US dollars (around Rp7.3 billion. ).

Meanwhile, for the capacity building program, in more than a decade, Indonesia has recorded more than US $ 8 million (around Rp. 117 billion) covering 170 types of training for more than two thousand Palestinians.

A tax-free policy of zero percent has also been implemented for two of Palestine's superior products, namely dates and olives, in order to encourage Palestinian economic independence.