Indonesia National Interest in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Geopolitical map of the Middle East embroiled in a war between the two eternal enemies the Palestinians against Israel. Israeli continued attacks against various targets in the Gaza Strip. The death toll reached more than 100 people. This figure will continue increase if the conflict continues to rage. The war that raged in the region if it does not receive the intervention for settlement may affect the stability of the entire region, including Indonesia.

Indonesia has a strategic role to ease Israeli-Palestinian tensions in the national interest of Indonesian foreign policy. This strategic role is recognized by the Chairman Tanfidziyah PCINU Turkey, Muhammad Labib Syauqi asking the Indonesian government to take an active role in promoting peace between the Palestinians and Israel. Indonesia asked to use a diplomatic approach at the international level, especially through the United Nations.

Indonesia's intervention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been done. It began when President Sukarno speech at the United Nations early 60's. Bung Karno invite all world countries liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation. Palestine is the 'last chapter of colonialism' in the Middle East until now.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called the world to take steps to stop Israeli violence against Palestinians. President admitted dismayed by Israeli air strikes which is still ongoing, while the firing of rockets (Hamas) that were located farther still occur, and civilian casualties continue to fall.

What is now happening in the Middle East must be stopped and Indonesia sincerely hope the Security Council can take decisive and appropriate action to stop the ongoing violence and to prevent further spread of violence.

The attitude of the Indonesian foreign policy clearly supports the independence of the Palestinian people to the concept of a two state solution. Now it’s only one country that is Israel, there will be expected Israel and the Palestinians. If that could happen, what is happening today can be prevented or terminated.

Besides the importance of foreign policy, the role of Indonesia supports Palestine would also have an impact on the stability of the security situation in the country. Many radical groups who terrorized still exist which is influenced by the situation in Palestine. Religious sentiments seem to be the reason. Indonesia’s support to Palestinian is expected to dampen terrorism who always accuses this country as accomplices of western countries.