INDONESIAN CONTRIBUTIONS FOR PALESTINE
by Widi Kusnadi and Rina Asrina*
Indonesia held the second Conference on Cooperation among East Asia Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) II in Jakarta, February 28 to March 2, 2014 attended by the Prime Minister of Palestine, Rami Hamdallah, Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad Malki , Foreign Minister of South Africa, Maite Nkoana – Mashabane , Foreign Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, representatives of Southeast Asian Countries, and 13 observer countries as well as five international organizations.
Indonesia’s willingness to host CEAPAD II is the form of confirmation of the apparent support from the Government and Indonesian people to the struggle of Palestinian people for independence.
At the first CEAPAD conference in Japan, February 2013, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said Indonesia would invite private sectors to play an active role in the development of Palestine in the event of CEAPAD II.
The CEAPAD actually initiated by Japanese, considering a number of countries in East and Southeast Asia to pay serious attention to the Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation.
History of Indonesia – Palestine relations
In the early days of Indonesian independence, Palestine was the first country to recognize and fully support the independence of Indonesia. Sheikh Muhammad Amin al -Husayni, the Grand Mufti of Palestine openly declared his support for the independence of Indonesia.
The Palestinian Grand Mufti’s support even has been awarded since 1944, a year before the founding father Sukarno – Hatta proclaimed Indonesia’s independence. This historical fact has not been revealed.
The supports for Indonesian independence started from Palestine and Egypt as quoted from the book ” Indonesian Revolution Diplomacy in Abroad ” written by the Chairman of the Central Committee Association of Indonesian Independence, M. Zein Hassan Lc.
The Shaikh al–Husaini’s support was broadcasted on 6 September 1944 by Berlin Radio broadcast in Arabic version. (al–Husaini fled to Germany at the beginning of World War two).
The news had been broadcasting for two days, even Al – Ahram news media also published it. Shaykh Al – Husaini in his capacity as a Palestinian mufti also pleased to welcome the arrival of Indonesian delegation ” Preparation Committee of Indonesian Independence “.
Indonesian Assistances To Palestine
The President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono met Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah at the State Palace on Friday and signed several memorandum of understanding. Rami Hamdallah revealed, Indonesia has become a good friend to the Palestinians since long time ago.
“For Palestine, Indonesia is an example of a country that could manage to unite all communities in peace,” Rami said. His country has been struggling with internal and external conflict (Israeli occupation).
Assistances in Political Sector
In the political sphere, the President underlined the Indonesia government’s commitment and practical steps to realize Palestine to become an independent state. ” This is our basic position, continues to run the commitment now and next. Indonesia will contribute to achieving the Palestinian independence, ” the president said.
Since 16 November 1988, Indonesia became the first country to officially support the Palestine National Council (PNC) to proclaim an independent Palestinian state.
December 31, 2011, Indonesia also supported Palestinian membership of the UNESCO. Indonesia was also a major sponsor to recognizing Palestine as a state observer at the United Nations.
Indonesia hopes the peace process can be achieved as soon as possible so that an independent Palestinian state can be realized. ” It’s a form of Indonesian solidarity to the future of Palestine. Indonesia believes Palestine will successfully grow into a developed country,” the President added.
Assistance in Health Sector
The Construction of Indonesian Hospital in Bayt Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip has been completed in February 2014. It is a pride for Indonesian people.
Indonesian Humanitarian organization, Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER – C) as the initiator of the development, cooperated with Radio Silaturahim and Al – Fatah Foundation Indonesia has sent 33 volunteers with special skills to Gaza to the Indonesian Hospital there.
The chairman of MER- C, Joserizal Jurnalis told Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Faris Mehdawi in Jakarta, the Palestinian government also assisted Indonesian Hospital’s construction with five tons of cement.
The physical construction began at May 14, 2011, built on an area of 16,261 m2, as the endowments of Palestinian government in Gaza. Palestinian Health Minister in Gaza, Baseem Naem entrusted MER-C to build a hospital in the area.
Indonesian Hospital’s location is about 2.5 miles from the Gaza border with Israel occupation territory. Although the Israeli drones has been monitoring the hospital, but the development continues to run well.
Assistances in Economic sector
In the economic sector, Indonesia will streamline Joint Business Council in finding new opportunities between the two countries.” We hope to find cooperation in the field of oil and gas,” the President said.
In the Israeli military aggression on the Gaza Strip 2008, Indonesia provided humanitarian aid around one million USD to the Palestinians.
In the visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Indonesia, May 29, 2010, the President delivered a 20 Billion dollars for the establishment of the Indonesian Cardiac Centre in Gaza.
The main agenda of CEAPAD II conference is a business meeting with Palestinian businessmen, in cooperation with Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). For Indonesia, CEAPAD is complementary of New Asian – African Strategic Partnership cooperation.
30 Palestinian businessmen and dozens of participants from neighboring countries as well as Indonesian businessmen participated in the trade exhibition following the CEAPAD II.
Assistance in Education Sector
In New Asian–African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) conference, 14-15 July 2008 in Jakarta, Asian and African countries commited to provide training on economic, industrial and agricultural to Palestinian people. As many as 1257 Palestinians have been trained in 128 types of programs.I
Indonesia also opens the schoolarship to Palestinian students who want to study in Indonesia. Nowadays, there are seven Palestinians who took the Master degree and three others took the doctoral program in some universities, like University of Diponegoro (Undip) , University of Indonesia (UI), Gadjah Mada University (UGM) , University of Elevent of March (USM) and Institute technology Surabaya (ITS).
“It is a form of solidarity and a contribution from Indonesia to Palestine,” said the President.
Assistance in the Field of Tourism
Palestine has many historical tourist objects because many relics of the Prophets exist in the State. Palestine is known as the city of prophets and it was recognized by Muslims and non – Muslims.
Cooperation in the field of tourism was also discussed in the CEAPAD II meeting. The President said, there are more than 48,000 Indonesian citizens traveled to Palestine for religious journey every year. This amount will be increased every year.
“We talked about tourism. Years ago, tens of thousands of Indonesian people came to Palestine. It is Very important for us. I hope this number will continue to grow in the future, ” said Hamdallah. (T/P04/P03)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
* Widi Kusnadi and Rina Asrina are the journalists of Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) who covered CEAPAD II in Jakarta, February 28 to March 2, 2014.
