Jokowi Receives The Highest Award From The Palestinian Government

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) (Doc: State Secretariat)

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo received the highest award from the Palestinian government, the Grand Collar Order of the State of Palestine, which was handed over by the Palestinian Presidential Special Envoy Riyad Al Maliki at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday, August 19. This award was given as a form of recognition of Indonesia's consistent support for the struggle of the Palestinian people for independence. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi explained that the award was delivered directly by the Presidential Special Envoy Mahmoud Abbas after a meeting with President Jokowi. "Special issues convey a very high appreciation from President Mahmoud Abbas to the President of the Republic of Indonesia for the consistent position of supporting the Palestinian nation's struggle," said Retno. In addition to giving awards, Special Envoy also conveyed congratulations from President Abbas to President Jokowi and all Indonesian people on the commemoration of the 79th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. President Mahmoud Abbas appreciated Indonesia's important role in supporting the Palestinian people, including Indonesian advocacy for the ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and two countries. "Mr. President (Jokowi) among others conveyed clarity on the position of a consistent Indonesia to continue to support the Palestinian nation's struggle. Indonesia will also continue to voice a ceasefire, unconstrained humanitarian aid, and of course a two-state solution," explained Retno. In the meeting, President Jokowi also reiterated that Indonesia's position will continue to support the struggle for the Palestinian nation, as well as a commitment to fight for international recognition and full membership of Palestine at the United Nations. "Indonesia will also continue to make approaches to UN member countries to recognize Palestine and support the full Palestinian membership at the United Nations," added Retno. As he added, Riyad Al Maliki, Special Advisor to the Palestinian President, emphasized that this award was given as a form of respect for President Jokowi's efforts to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Palestine as well as in supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people for freedom and independence.

The handover of this award confirms the close diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Palestine, as well as Indonesia's commitment to supporting Palestinian rights on the international stage.Turut accompanies the President at the meeting, namely Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung. Meanwhile, the Special Envoy for the President of Palestine Riyad Al Maliki was accompanied by the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair al-Shun.