Could Indonesia, "Israel" normalize relations? - The Diplomat
4 Min Read
Indonesia would see its relations developing with the Israeli occupation only if its current president so chooses, and he only has two years left in office.
-
Then Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets Sheikh Yahya Cholil Staquf, leader of Nahdlatul Ulama, June 14, 2018
Since several Arab countries signed normalization agreements with the Israeli occupation in 2020, several experts have discussed the possibility of Indonesia normalizing relations with "Israel," especially by top US officials, a The Diplomat report said Monday.
"Israel" is seeking diplomatic recognition around the world, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as Southeast Asia, providing Israeli technical assistance to the armed forces in Burma.
The possibility of Jakarta normalizing relations with "Tel Aviv" was first brought up by former President Abdurrahman Wahid, but the Indonesian public opposes the occupation, and normalization of relations would be strongly opposed by the public and unaccepted politically.
The situation has seen some change in recent weeks, with various unconfirmed public sources and news reports are indicating that Indonesia and "Israel" are on the verge of reaching a diplomatic breakthrough. However, several Indonesian politicians have denied such claims, which indicates diplomatic ties between "Tel Aviv" and Jakarta are far from establishing any diplomatic ties.
Indonesia has long opposed normalization
The establishment of any ties between the two would require an amendment of the traditional Indonesian foreign policy position on the occupation, not to mention overcoming staunch domestic opposition and obtaining parliamentary support, which would be very hard considering the political atmosphere in the nation.
Traditionally, Indonesia has long opposed normalization in fear over its ties with Arab countries, but seeing as several have already normalized ties with the occupation, that is no longer one of Jakarta's concerns, the article claimed.
Economic "benefits" could also lure Jakarta into accepting "Tel Aviv," as recognizing "Israel" would trigger an influx of technical and technological equipment and expertise into Indonesia, boosting trade between the two parties, which already stands at $500 million per year. Indonesia is seeking to bolster its manufacturing and domestic defense industry capabilities.
The United States is also backing normalization with "Israel" as it did with Arab states, putting billions of dollars in funds on the table.
The political position of President Joko Widodo is still unwavering regarding normalization, but as his term is nearing its close, and he is not seeking re-election despite having a solid coalition, his political position could falter in the future.
Yahya Cholil Staqu visit to "Israel" sparked protests in Indonesia
Recently, Yahya Cholil Staquf was elected as the new chairman of Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and he has close ties with "Israel," which he visited in 2018, and the West, whom he is in frequent contact with. Though he reaffirmed NU's support for Palestinians, his ties with the West could lead Indonesia to sign an agreement with "Israel."
His visit to "Israel" more than three years ago sparked protests in Indonesia by those who strongly support Palestinian rights and oppose the Israeli occupation.
The establishment of ties between Jakarta and "Tel Aviv" faces many difficulties despite the opinions and stances of political leaders. Firstly, Indonesia would be required to abandon its long-standing policy position on Palestine, which Indonesia naturally opposes since the preamble to its constitution states that "independence is the right of all peoples."
Second of all, domestic sentiment is overwhelmingly supportive of Palestine, as 71% of Indonesians agreed that "Israel" was responsible for the "Israeli-Palestinian conflict," a May 2021 survey found.
As evidence, when former US President Donald Trump took the decision of moving the capital of "Israel" from "Tel Aviv" to occupied Al-Quds, protests erupted in Indonesia, with many organizations declaring and reiterating their support of the Palestinian cause.
Third of all, normalization with "Israel" would require Indonesia's broad roster of political parties supporting the shift, and despite the large government coalition, party support is not guaranteed, and the Indonesian political parties can oppose and delay the process.
Finally, any attempt to normalize relations would require an international treaty such as the one signed by the UAE, and that would need ratification from the Indonesian parliament, which would take a long time to pass - if it passes at all.
Even if the government decides to go with issuing a Joint Communique to establish diplomatic relations, which would not require parliamentary approval, Parliament could still influence public opinion.
