President Joko Widodo Condemns Israeli Offensive in Lebanon

Nusantara, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Joko Widodo issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing offensive in Lebanon, which has resulted in 500 deaths since the strikes began on Monday, September 23. Speaking from IKN Nusantara, East Kalimantan, on Wednesday, President Widodo urged swift intervention from the United Nations and the global community to halt the escalation of violence.

“Indonesia strongly condemns the Israeli attack on Lebanon,” President Widodo stated during a press briefing. He called for immediate action to prevent further loss of life. “We ask all countries and the UN to provide a quick response,” he emphasized.

The President also confirmed ongoing efforts to repatriate Indonesian citizens currently in Lebanon, noting that he had already discussed the situation with Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi. “I have contacted Minister Marsudi. It is still in process,” he added.

Earlier, Minister Marsudi had expressed Indonesia’s deep concern over the Israeli air strikes on Lebanon during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York. “We strongly condemn the Israeli attack on Lebanon, which resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths, including children,” she said on Tuesday, September 24.

The Lebanese government, citing reports from Reuters, stated that the death toll from the strikes had risen to 558 as of Tuesday, with more than a thousand injured. Minister Marsudi emphasized that the attack has dangerously escalated tensions in a region already grappling with a humanitarian crisis.

“This violence and aggression must not become a new normal, especially given the continuous atrocities against the Palestinian people,” she stressed.

In addition to expressing concern over civilian casualties, Marsudi highlighted Indonesia’s significant role in peacekeeping efforts in the region. With 1,232 personnel deployed as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Indonesia has contributed the largest contingent to the mission. “Their safety is also a concern, not only for Indonesia but also for the UN,” she affirmed.

Both President Widodo and Minister Marsudi reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to pursuing peace and stability in the Middle East and called for urgent international efforts to address the escalating violence.