INTERNATIONAL – Indonesia has reiterated its longstanding commitment to Palestinian independence, in line with the country’s 1945 Constitution, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.
On Saturday (May 24), the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), a political party aligned with President Prabowo Subianto’s government, staged a mass rally in Jakarta under the theme “Save Humanity in Gaza.” PKS president Ahmad Syaikhu called for swift and concrete international action, including from Indonesia, to support the people of Gaza who, he said, are facing increasingly dire conditions.
“They no longer have access to milk or medicine—this is about their future and their survival,” Mr Syaikhu told reporters at the event.
He emphasised that the immediate priority is to ensure the protection of civilians in Gaza amid ongoing military aggression, and highlighted the party’s ongoing efforts to promote diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian assistance. He also called for a unified national solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Mr Syaikhu pointed to Indonesia’s strategic diplomatic role, particularly in the Muslim world. He cited a recent session at the Indonesian Parliament involving members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), describing it as a positive step to voice global concern over the situation in Gaza.
Speaking through PKS representatives in the House of Representatives and the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP), Mr Syaikhu said his party has consistently urged the Indonesian government, including President Prabowo, to take a firm stance in support of Palestine.
“President Prabowo has shown a strong commitment to this issue,” he said, adding that the next steps would depend on timing and international momentum.
One of the party’s key calls is for the United Nations to intervene and deploy peacekeeping forces to Gaza. Mr Syaikhu welcomed Indonesia’s readiness to contribute troops if such a mission is established.
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In a formal statement, PKS reaffirmed its alignment with the Indonesian government’s constitutional mandate to support Palestinian independence. This includes strengthening international solidarity, refusing any form of cooperation with the Israeli state, and continuing the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The party also urged the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to consider a peacekeeping deployment and force the lifting of the blockade on Gaza to ensure full access for food and medical supplies. PKS expressed appreciation for what it described as a shift in position from the European Parliament, which is reviewing its relations with Israel, and welcomed similar moves by the United Kingdom, France, and Canada to re-evaluate trade ties and consider recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The party also called on other countries in both the Global North and South—including the Islamic world and the broader Middle East—to adopt similar positions and follow through with concrete measures.
Finally, PKS encouraged Indonesian citizens to boycott products linked to Israeli interests and to contribute material and moral support to the Palestinian people.
The party said its stance is rooted in a long-standing ideological commitment to justice, humanity and the Palestinian struggle—values that have shaped the PKS platform since its founding.
