Indonesia's Stance On Israel: A Conditional Opening

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Historical Context: Indonesia's Unwavering Support for Palestine

Indonesia's long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause is deeply rooted in its own history of colonialism and its strong role within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This unwavering support for Palestinian liberation and anti-Zionism has been a cornerstone of Indonesian foreign policy for decades. This commitment manifests in several key ways:

• Consistent Voting Record: Indonesia has consistently voted against Israel in international forums like the United Nations, advocating for Palestinian statehood and condemning Israeli actions in the occupied territories.
• Support for Palestinian Statehood: Indonesia has been a vocal supporter of a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state. Key figures in Indonesian history and politics have consistently championed this position.
• Indonesian Solidarity: The Indonesian government and people have demonstrated solidarity with Palestine through various initiatives, including humanitarian aid, political advocacy, and public demonstrations.

Emerging Pragmatism: Economic and Strategic Considerations

While historical commitment to Palestine remains strong, emerging economic and strategic considerations are influencing Indonesia's approach. A more pragmatic foreign policy is developing, recognizing potential benefits from engagement with Israel. This "conditional opening" reflects a calculated assessment of potential gains:

• Economic Collaboration: Potential collaborations exist in various sectors. Israeli expertise in agriculture (especially water management, crucial for Indonesia), technology (particularly in areas like renewable energy and precision agriculture), and medical technology could significantly benefit Indonesia. Increased trade relations could also boost economic growth.
• Technological Advancements: Israel's technological prowess is attractive to Indonesia's ambitions for modernization and development. Cooperation in areas like cybersecurity, telecommunications, and agricultural technology could yield significant mutual benefits.
• Regional Stability and Security Cooperation: Engagement with Israel could potentially contribute to regional stability, particularly given Israel's strategic position in the Middle East. This might involve cooperation on counter-terrorism or other security issues of mutual interest.

The Conditional Aspect: Palestine Remains Central

It is crucial to emphasize that any improvement in relations with Israel is strictly conditional. Indonesia's commitment to a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine remains paramount. Any potential normalization or improved relations are contingent upon:

• Significant Progress Towards a Two-State Solution: Indonesia insists on substantial progress toward a viable two-state solution based on international law and relevant UN resolutions, respecting pre-1967 borders and Palestinian rights.
• Respect for Palestinian Rights: Any engagement with Israel must uphold the rights of the Palestinian people, including the right of return, self-determination, and an end to the occupation. Statements from Indonesian officials reiterate these preconditions repeatedly.
• Impact of Stalled Peace Negotiations: The lack of progress in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process significantly impacts Indonesia's willingness to engage further with Israel. A resurgence of violence or a breakdown in negotiations would likely halt any progress towards closer ties.

Public Opinion and Domestic Politics

Indonesia's foreign policy on Israel is also shaped by domestic political considerations and public sentiment. The influence of public opinion and various political factions cannot be ignored:

• Public Sentiment: While there is a strong pro-Palestinian sentiment amongst the Indonesian public, the level of opposition to any engagement with Israel varies. Public opinion polls reveal a complex landscape, with some segments more open to pragmatic engagement than others.
• Political Considerations: Various Indonesian political parties hold differing views on relations with Israel. Some strongly oppose any engagement, while others are more open to conditional normalization depending on the progress made in the peace process.
• Influence of Religious Organizations: The views of Islamic groups in Indonesia hold significant weight in the national debate. Their positions, ranging from strong opposition to more nuanced stances, can influence public opinion and impact policy decisions.

Conclusion

Indonesia's stance on Israel presents a complex interplay of historical commitment to Palestine, emerging pragmatic considerations, and crucial conditionalities. The historical context underscores Indonesia's unwavering support for Palestinian liberation and the two-state solution. However, the emergence of economic and strategic incentives is leading to a more nuanced approach—a "conditional opening." This opening is strictly contingent on significant progress towards a just and lasting peace, respecting the rights of the Palestinian people. Understanding the nuances of this conditional opening is vital. Further research and informed discussion are essential to fully comprehend the implications for regional peace and stability. Continue to follow developments in Indonesia's relations with Israel and the evolving dynamics of the Middle East peace process to better understand this evolving and crucial relationship.