Indonesia Reaffirms Strong Support for Palestinian Independence and Cultural Preservation
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has reiterated his unwavering support for Palestine’s struggle for independence while drawing attention to the extensive destruction inflicted upon the nation’s cultural and historical sites by Israeli occupation forces.
Speaking at an event in Jakarta on Friday celebrating the bond and solidarity between Indonesia and Palestine, Zon underscored the dire situation faced by Palestinians. His remarks were highlighted in an official statement released on Saturday.
“Imagine, while we are here waiting to break our fast, our brothers and sisters in Palestine are oppressed by colonialists. The destruction extends to cultural sites, artists, and cultural activists, who are deprived of their rights,” Zon stated.
During the event, which saw participation from Palestinian citizens, the minister cited a UNESCO report detailing the impact of Israel’s military actions on Palestinian heritage. According to the report, the Israeli invasion has resulted in damage to 83 cultural and historical properties, including 53 buildings of historical or artistic significance, 11 religious sites, and 8 monuments.
Additionally, the attacks have led to the destruction of three depositories of movable cultural property, seven archaeological sites, and one museum. Zon further alleged that countless other cultural heritage objects may have been lost during Israel’s large-scale military operation in Gaza, which began in October 2023 and concluded with a ceasefire effective January 19 this year.
The minister reaffirmed Indonesia’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people’s pursuit of sovereignty, aligning with Indonesia’s Constitution, which upholds the principle of eliminating colonialism worldwide. He also called for global action against what he described as “the double standards and hypocrisy often exercised by the West in global forums.”
The event, titled “Indonesia with Palestine: Ramadan of Victory and Solidarity,” was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anis Matta and Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Hidayat Nur Wahid.
Indonesia has long been a vocal advocate for Palestinian independence, consistently condemning Israeli occupation policies and calling for a just resolution to the conflict based on international law.
