Indonesia Admits Denying Entry to 53 Israelis

Jakarta, MINA — The Indonesian government confirmed Friday that it had refused entry visas for 53 Israelis.

“The question of friends [journalists] in recent days about 53 Israeli citizens who were denied visas, that’s true,” Anadolu Agency quoted Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly as telling journalists.

Laoly refused to reveal why his ministry did not grant visas to the Israeli citizens.

“The reason we cannot say. This is a sensitive issue,” said Laoly.

The reveal came after it was reported that the Israeli government would bar Indonesians from entering Israel. It is unclear whether the Israeli measure was meant as a retaliation to Jakarta’s move or vice-versa.

Laoly said accepting or denying visas was the prerogative of the state.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi reminded reporters that Indonesia and Israel did not have formal diplomatic relations. However, certain visas have generally been made available to citizens of both countries.

Indonesia will continue to support Palestinians in their struggle, said Marsudi.

“So the alignment of Indonesia’s foreign policy toward Palestine is very clear and I need to reiterate it,” she said. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)