Indonesia reiterated its steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause on Friday as Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Dr. Ahmad Muzani, hosted Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, in Jakarta.

The official visit, coordinated with Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry, underscored Indonesia’s resolute stance on defending Palestinian rights amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

During the meeting, Muzani conveyed greetings from President Prabowo Subianto and emphasized Indonesia’s dedication to both humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. He specifically highlighted plans to rebuild two Indonesian hospitals in Gaza destroyed by Israeli forces. “Indonesia’s position is clear. We will always stand by the Palestinian people in their struggle for justice, independence, and dignity,” Muzani declared, reaffirming the country’s long-standing solidarity.

Dr. Barghouti expressed deep gratitude for Indonesia’s consistent support, praising its role as a global advocate for Palestine. He called for intensified international pressure on Israel through boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) measures to hold Tel Aviv accountable for what he described as “genocide, ethnic cleansing, and starvation” in Gaza. Barghouti was joined by Adnan Hmidan of the Global Coalition for Palestine, based in London, who participated in discussions with Indonesian officials.

In a separate meeting, Barghouti met with Deputy Foreign Minister Muhammad Anis Matta to explore joint strategies at international forums. Both sides stressed the need for unified global efforts to address Israel’s war crimes, the blockade-induced famine in Gaza, and escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem. The Palestinian delegation emphasized that their visit aimed to update Indonesian leaders on the deteriorating situation in Palestine and to bolster resistance against forced displacement and U.S.-led normalization efforts with Israel.

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has consistently rejected normalization with Israel, prioritizing justice and freedom for Palestine. The visit reinforced the shared resolve of Jakarta and Ramallah to amplify international advocacy and solidarity for the Palestinian cause until liberation is achieved. (ILKHA)