Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto recently stated his country’s willingness to establish diplomatic relations with Israel contingent upon the recognition of a Palestinian state. This declaration was made during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Jakarta.
Conditional Recognition
During the press conference on 28 May 2024, Prabowo emphasized that true peace in the region hinges on the acknowledgment of Palestinian sovereignty. He remarked, “On various occasions, I have said that Indonesia sees the two-state solution and the freedom of Palestine as the only way to achieve true peace.”
Joint Call for Negotiation
The discussions between Indonesia and France led to a joint statement urging progress towards mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine. They advocated for an international conference designed to advance discussions on the two-state solution, with Paris co-chairing the event set for next month.
Background on Indonesia’s Stance
- Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.
- It currently has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel.
- Support for Palestine remains a significant sentiment within Indonesian society, often sparking protests.
Prabowo’s statements reiterate Indonesia’s long-standing position, which has often led to international scrutiny, especially following FIFA’s decision in 2023 to strip Indonesia of hosting the Under-20 World Cup due to calls to exclude Israel from participation.