Foreign Minister Sugiono Affirms Palestinians Must Stay In Their Homeland

Foreign Minister Sugiono during a meeting with Palestinian delegates on the sidelines of a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that the Palestinian people must remain in their homeland, repeating Indonesia's support for Palestinian peace and independence.

He conveyed this when meeting with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Palestine Varsen Aghabekian on the sidelines of the UN High-Level Segment Council for Human Rights (Dewan HAM) 58th Session in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday.

Foreign Minister Sugiono said Indonesia continues to follow developments in the situation in Palestine, including in the Gaza Strip.

"Indonesia rejects the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, and supports Palestinians to remain in its homeland," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, according to a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tuesday, February 25.

It is known that US President Donald Trump recently drew criticism after making the idea of permanent relocation of Gaza Strip residents to then take over and build the Palestinian enclave.

Foreign Minister Sugiono informed that the Indonesian government had never received direct detailed information regarding the plan to relocate Palestinians.

"Any plan must obtain voluntary approval from all parties involved, including Palestine," he stressed.

Earlier, during a speech at the UN Human Rights Council, Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that he would not remain silent on Israel's occupation of Palestine.

"Indonesia calls for, especially those who claim to uphold human rights, to immediately stop genocide and war in Palestine. Stop the application of double standards in upholding human rights," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Foreign Minister Sugiono also reiterated his commitment to voice peace and independence for the Palestinian people through a two-state solution.

Meanwhile, State Minister Aghabekian appreciated Indonesia's strong support for Palestine, including in addressing the issue of forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza.

At this meeting, the two Ministers also discussed efforts to reconstruct Gaza, as well as explore the possibility of bilateral meetings at the level of the Head of State or Government.