Despite Not Attending The Action At Monas, Fadli Zon Affirms Prabowo Supports Free Palestine

Hanung Bramantyo was one of the participants in the Palestinian defense action from many circles and various long march ages to the HI Roundabout to Monas, Sunday 5 November. (Jehan-VOI)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the Gerindra Party Fadli Zon emphasized that the General Chairperson of Gerindra who is also a presidential candidate, Prabowo Subianto, supports Palestinian independence. This was revealed by Fadli Zon when responding to Prabowo's absence from defending Palestine in the National Monument (Monas) area today. "Pak Prabowo clearly supports efforts to stop the war and Pak Prabowo also strongly condemns what is happening in Gaza today. He has also since the beginning expressed support for the sovereignty and independence of Palestine," said Fadli Zon at Monas, Sunday, November 5. The Indonesian People's Alliance committee actually invited all presidential and vice presidential candidates to attend the Palestinian defense action. However, only Anies Baswedan was present at the event. Fadli said Prabowo could not attend because he had other activities at the same time. However, Prabowo clearly opposed the Israeli attack on Palestine. In fact, continued Fadli, Prabowo stated that he did not want to visit the Al Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem before the Independent Palestine. "When I was in Jordan, I once took him to the Al Aqsa Mosque, Pak Prabowo said 'I will not set foot there until Palestine is independent'. That's roughly the case," he said. A number of figures attended the Palestinian defense action. Among them are Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Indonesian Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, 10th and 12th Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla. Also present were MUI Deputy Chairperson Anwar Abbas, Imam Besar Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly Jazilul Fawaid, to former DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

Interfaith leaders were also present in the Palestinian defense action. This action was coordinated by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). Ministers and state officials also made speeches to defend Palestine from Israeli colonialism. During the action, the Palestinian and Indonesian flags flew throughout the Monas area.