At a high-level meeting on the two-state solution co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia is open to establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.
The two-state plan, widely recognised internationally, calls for an independent Palestinian state to exist alongside Israel as a way to resolve the Gaza conflict, according to Jakarta Globe.
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“Statehood must mean peace”
Prabowo is in New York for his United Nations (UN) debut, marking the first time in a decade that an Indonesian leader has addressed the assembly.
Earlier in his speech, Prabowo said the countries at the summit had a historical responsibility “that speaks not only to the fate of Palestine, but also the future of Israel and the credibility of the UN.”
He added that Indonesia plans to establish ties with Israel, but only if it recognises Palestinian statehood.
“We will support any guarantees for Israel’s security,” he said.
Prabowo Subianto
He added that Palestine’s statehood must be secured first, and only then will Indonesia recognise Israel.
“Statehood must mean peace. Recognition must give a real chance for lasting peace, for everyone involved,” he said.
Prabowo’s microphone was cut off mid-speech
However, Prabowo’s microphone was cut off right after he pledged that Indonesia would stand “ready” to provide peacekeeping forces.
The Foreign Ministry later explained that the session had a five-minute time limit for each speaker, and any overrun would result in the microphone being switched off. Despite the brief silence on the livestream, the ministry assured reporters that the delegates were able to hear Prabowo’s full speech.
Indonesia hasn’t established official ties with Israel, though trade between the two has been ongoing, according to the Trade Ministry’s database.
Meanwhile, Palestine is gaining recognition from Western countries like France, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
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