President Prabowo Subianto said on Wednesday that Indonesia is ready to formally recognize the situation in Israel and establish diplomatic relations if a two-state solution for a fully independent Palestinian state is achieved.
“I conveyed Indonesia’s position: we see a two-state solution as the only way to truly peace,” Prabowo told reporters at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron after a meeting in Jakarta.
The Indonesian president said: “The independence of the Palestinian people is the only way to achieve true peace. But, at the same time, I also made it clear that we must recognize and guarantee Israel's right to survive as a sovereign state.”
Indonesia is home to the world's largest Muslim population, long a staunch supporter of the Palestinian nation and has not maintained formal diplomatic ties with Israel.
“We believe that Israel's security and sovereignty must also be respected and protected,” Prabowo continued. “So, Indonesia conveys our willingness to help Israel's recognition of Palestine. We are ready to know Israel and build diplomatic relations.”
Macron is visiting Indonesia as part of a wider visit to the Asia-Pacific region, welcomes Prabowo’s remarks and reiterates France’s support for peaceful negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.
The French president praised Indonesia's “principles” approach and pointed out that such efforts are crucial to breaking the deadlock in peace in the Middle East.
The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine. Macron condemned the Russian invasion as a blatant violation of international law and expressed his appreciation for Indonesia's consistent call for respect for sovereignty and to resolve conflicts through diplomatic relations.
During Macron's visit, France and Indonesia signed a series of agreements to deepen defense and economic ties, including military training and cooperation in joint weapons production, renewable energy and infrastructure development.
The two sides are also committed to speeding negotiations on the Indonesia-EU Integrated Economic Partnership Agreement, a long-delayed trade agreement between Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the EU.
