Indonesia’s Contradictory Stance on the Jewish entity: Tough Rhetoric But Still Maintain Good Relations

News:

Indonesia has urged Muslim and Arab nations to sever trade and economic ties with ‘Israel’ to end the violence in Gaza. At the Riyadh summit of the Arab League and OIC, Vice Foreign Minister Anis Matta emphasized the need to cut investments linked to Zionist entities and bolster trade within Islamic economies. Despite these calls, Indonesia’s trade with ‘Israel’ reached $173 million from January to September 2024, a 24.6% increase from the previous year. President Prabowo Subianto, committed to Palestinian independence, faces domestic support for boycotts of pro-Israel products. Indonesia maintains no formal diplomatic relations with ‘Israel’. Source: jakartaglobe.id

Comment:

Indonesia’s stance on the Jewish entity exposes a stark inconsistency between its rhetorical support for Palestine and its actual practices. While the government publicly condemns ‘Israeli’ aggression and positions itself as a staunch advocate for Palestinian independence, economic and social ties with ‘Israel’ persist. For instance, Indonesia-‘Israel’ trade reached $173 million in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 24.6% increase from the same period in 2023. Indonesian exports to the Jewish entity, primarily in sectors such as palm oil and textiles, amounted to $130.6 million during this period. These figures indicate active trade relations, despite Indonesia’s declared opposition to Israel’s policies.

Beyond trade, cultural and social engagements also reflect Indonesia’s reluctance to take decisive action. Tens of thousands of Indonesian tourists, particularly Christian pilgrims, visit the Jewish entity annually, strengthening people-to-people ties. Similarly, ‘Israeli’ athletes and delegations have participated in events hosted by Indonesia, such as badminton and rock climbing championships. These activities support the Jewish entity’s public diplomacy efforts to reshape its image within Indonesia, a nation with the world’s largest Muslim population.

Such contradictions render Indonesia’s support for Palestine performative. While Vice Foreign Minister Anis Matta recently called for severing trade and investment ties with the Jewish entity during an OIC meeting, these statements remain largely symbolic without substantive action.

Hizb ut Tahrir, as the part of Global Muslim society, has consistently urged Muslim nations to adopt stronger measures, including jihad and economic embargoes, as necessary responses to ‘Israeli’ aggression. Despite these calls, the lack of follow-through from Indonesia and other Muslim-majority nations suggests a prioritization of economic and political interests over genuine solidarity with Palestine.

The situation in Gaza, marked by systemic violence and displacement, underscores the need for more decisive interventions. Economic sanctions and trade embargoes, though impactful, may not suffice to halt the ongoing aggression. Military intervention could serve as a more robust response. If Indonesia and other Muslim nations are genuinely committed to ending the Jewish entity’s colonization, they must move beyond rhetorical declarations. Concrete steps, including economic disengagement, political isolation of the Jewish entity, and military strategies. By doing so, they can demonstrate true leadership and solidarity, ensuring that their actions match their words in the fight for Palestinian justice.

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Abdullah Aswar