Indonesia pleads for a two-state solution

06-12-2023

Yasemin Beyza Uçar

South and East Asia Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

Indonesia calls for a two-state solution in line with international limitations, which should be based on an agreement to end the conflict in Gaza. Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that the two-state solution stressed by Indonesia must be based on agreed parameters. This agreed solution must also be ratified by several resolutions of the UN Security Council as well as the UN General Assembly to have it implemented. The minister emphasized that this two-state solution would be difficult to achieve, but it would help in the long term to bring an end to the core causes of the conflict in Gaza (Melalusa Susthira K, Resinta Sulistiyandari, 2023). 

Marsudi also stated that the current solution for Gaza only focuses on the short-term issues, such as humanitarian assistance. According to Marsudi, this support is focused on a short-term problem, which must be addressed for the sake of wounded civilians and prematurely born babies (Melalusa Susthira K, Resinta Sulistiyandari, 2023).

In 2018, at the sixth ASEAN-US Summit on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Summit in the city-state, Indonesian President Joko Widodo stated that a two-state solution would be the only peaceful and diplomatic way to ensure an independent Palestine. Joko Widodo believes that this two-state solution would not only put an end to the Palestine-Israel conflict but also establish peace in the Middle East and the entire World (Rahmad Nasution, 2018).

The topic of Palestine remains crucial for Indonesia’s diplomacy. Indonesia is internationally known as a loyal supporter of the Palestinian’s ongoing struggle for independence (Rahmad Nasution, 2018).

Recently, the minister counted four topics that he will convey concerning the situation in Gaza and the efforts by Indonesia:

(1) The current situation in Gaza, (2) protection for Indonesian citizens, (3) the provision of humanitarian assistance by Indonesia, and (4) Indonesia's political support and diplomatic efforts (Melalusa Susthira K, Resinta Sulistiyandari, 2023).

The Indonesian government is ready to help Palestine support the entire independence of the country, said President Joko Widodo. He then added that unity is the most essential aspect for a nation to reach its independence (Gilang Galiartha, Uyu Liman, 2022).

Sources and further readings:

Melalusa Susthira K, Resinta Sulistiyandari. (2023, November 27). Indonesia calls for two-state solution to end Gaza conflict: FM. Antara News. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from Indonesia calls for two-state solution to end Gaza conflict: FM - ANTARA News

Rahmad Nasution. (2018, November 16). Two-state solution: Indonesia`s clear message to the United States. Antara News. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from Two-state solution: Indonesia`s clear message to the United States - ANTARA News

Gilang Galiartha, Uyu Liman. (2022, October 24). Indonesia ready to help reconciliation of factions in Palestine. Antara News. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from Indonesia ready to help reconciliation of factions in Palestine - ANTARA News