The Indonesian government has denied reports suggesting that Jakarta is planning to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.
“As of now, Jakarta has not made any moves to establish diplomatic relations with Israel,” said Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, spokesperson for the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, adding that the reports were “unconfirmed.”
Iqbal described the reports as groundless, particularly as the international community’s attention is focused on the atrocities in Gaza.
“It is not true that we are seeking diplomatic relations with Israel in exchange for (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) OECD membership,” he said.
In a press release, the foreign ministry responded to widespread international reports alleging that Indonesia was sacrificing its foreign policy to gain OECD membership.
“Indonesia’s political stance and position against Israeli occupation in Palestine has not changed. We continue to strongly support the two-state solution as the best way to ensure the independence of Palestinian statehood and remain at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people,” the statement read.
Iqbal noted that Indonesia is actively working towards OECD membership, a process expected to take considerable time.
“We anticipate adopting its roadmap next May, and there is much preparation needed to achieve this goal,” he said, indicating that the timeline for membership varies by country.
The Indonesian armed forces chief, Gen. Agus Subiyanto, recently acknowledged the successful delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza by the Indonesian Air Force, commissioned by President Joko Widodo and coordinated with Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and the Jordanian military.
This statement comes amidst ongoing speculation and reports regarding Indonesia’s diplomatic strategies and its international policy orientations.
