Indonesia Turns Down Israel’s Calls for Official Ties over Palestinian Independence

Jakarta, 19 Jumadil Akhir 1437/ 29 March 2016 (MINA) – An Indonesian minister said on Tuesday the government would not establish official relations with Israel as Indonesia upholds efforts for Palestinian independence, reports China’s Xinhua news agency.

Indonesia’s Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung told reporters that the government preferred prioritising the attempts to help Palestine achieve its full independence.

“If (Palestinian) independence can happen, it means our demand is being fulfilled, and so Indonesia certainly is open for considering (the establishment of official ties with Israel),” Pramono said.

“The most important thing is that the spirit to free Palestine is a priority for Indonesia,” he added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday called for formal ties with the world’s biggest Muslim-population country, citing both nations had “many opportunities to cooperate in the fields of water and technology.”

The appeal was made during his meeting with a group of Indonesian journalists, who arrived in Israel as guests of the Foreign Ministry.

“The factors preventing official ties are no longer relevant and I hope that your visit will help with this,” Netanyahu told the visitors.

Despite having no diplomatic relations, Indonesia and Israel established trade and tourism ties.

In 2013, then Economy Minister Naftali Bennett visited Bali in Indonesia to attend a meeting of the World Trade Organization.

Meanwhile, ties between Indonesia and the Palestinian National Authority have been strengthening, setting the stage for a diplomatic incident two weeks ago.

On March 13, an Indonesian official was not allowed to enter Israel as she refused to meet with Israeli officials in Jerusalem before her planned visit to Ramallah in the West Bank Palestinian territories. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)