Indonesia's Potential Relationship With Israel: Conditional On Palestine Recognition

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Indonesia's Stance on Palestine

Strong Support for Palestinian Statehood

Indonesia has a long history of unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, deeply rooted in its own struggle for independence and its unwavering commitment to the principles of self-determination. This steadfast position significantly shapes its perspective on potential relations with Israel. This support manifests in various ways:

• Consistent voting patterns: Indonesia consistently votes in international forums like the UN General Assembly, supporting resolutions that affirm Palestinian rights and condemn Israeli actions deemed violations of international law. This consistent voting record underscores Indonesia's commitment to the Palestinian cause.
• Financial and humanitarian aid: Indonesia provides consistent financial and humanitarian aid to Palestine, supporting Palestinian institutions and assisting those affected by the ongoing conflict. This practical support complements its political advocacy.
• Strong public opinion: Public opinion in Indonesia overwhelmingly favors Palestinian self-determination and opposes Israeli policies perceived as unjust or oppressive. This strong public sentiment influences the political landscape and any potential shift in policy towards Israel.

The Role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Indonesia, as a prominent member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), abides by the organization's collective stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The OIC emphasizes the importance of a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, a position that significantly influences Indonesia's foreign policy decisions.

• OIC resolutions and declarations: Indonesia actively participates in OIC initiatives and adheres to resolutions and declarations that condemn Israeli occupation and advocate for a just and lasting peace.
• Coordination with other OIC members: Indonesia coordinates with other OIC members on Palestine-related issues, strengthening the collective voice of the Muslim world in advocating for Palestinian rights. This collaborative approach further solidifies Indonesia's position.

Potential Benefits of Closer Indonesia-Israel Relations

Economic Cooperation

Despite the absence of formal ties, substantial potential exists for economic cooperation between Indonesia and Israel, particularly in sectors like agriculture, technology, and water management. Israel's technological advancements could significantly contribute to Indonesia's development aspirations.

• Israeli investment in infrastructure: Israeli investment in Indonesian infrastructure projects could boost economic growth and create jobs. This collaboration could lead to modernizing Indonesia's infrastructure.
• Agricultural technology collaboration: Collaboration in agricultural technology could enhance Indonesian food security and increase agricultural productivity. This is particularly crucial given Indonesia's large population.
• Technology transfer and joint ventures: Numerous opportunities exist for technology transfer and joint ventures in various sectors, leading to mutual economic benefits and technological advancements for both nations.

Security Cooperation

Addressing shared regional security challenges, such as terrorism and maritime security, presents a potential avenue for cooperation. While unlikely without formal diplomatic relations, this area holds future possibilities.

• Shared concerns regarding regional instability: Both nations share concerns regarding regional instability and the threat of terrorism, creating a basis for potential future collaboration.
• Potential for information sharing: Information sharing and intelligence cooperation could enhance both nations' security capabilities, contributing to regional stability. This is a long-term prospect dependent on improved relations.

Challenges and Obstacles to Improved Relations

Public Opinion and Domestic Politics

Strong public support for Palestine in Indonesia presents a significant political challenge for normalizing relations with Israel. Any policy shift towards Israel requires cautious management to avoid domestic political backlash.

• Influence of Islamic groups: The views of influential Islamic groups in Indonesia regarding Israel play a substantial role in shaping public opinion and political discourse.
• Navigating domestic political sensitivities: The Indonesian government needs to navigate the complexities of domestic political sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to ensure any policy change is acceptable to the public.

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains the primary obstacle. A significant breakthrough in the peace process, resulting in the establishment of a Palestinian state, would likely be a prerequisite for Indonesia to reconsider its approach to Israel.

• Impact of ongoing settlements and violence: Ongoing settlements and violence significantly impact Indonesia's perception of Israel, hindering any progress in bilateral relations.
• The need for a just and lasting solution: A just and lasting solution to the conflict, based on international law and resolutions, is crucial for improving Indonesia-Israel relations.

Conclusion

The potential for improved Indonesia-Israel relations exists, but it's intrinsically linked to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Indonesia's unwavering commitment to Palestinian statehood remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy. While economic and security cooperation offer significant benefits, overcoming domestic political considerations and achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East are crucial for any significant normalization of Indonesia-Israel relations. Further progress towards a two-state solution will directly determine the future trajectory of this potentially vital relationship. To foster a future of peace and cooperation, a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Indonesia-Israel relations is paramount. The path towards stronger ties hinges on a just resolution to the Palestinian issue.