Indonesian Culture Minister Condemns Israel’s Actions in Gaza as Genocide Against Civilization

Denpasar, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon has denounced Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza as not only a humanitarian catastrophe but also a systematic attempt to eradicate Palestine’s culture and civilization.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Palestinian Culture Minister Imad Abdullah Saleem Hamdan on the sidelines of the Culture, Heritage, Art, Narrative, Diplomacy, and Innovation (CHANDI) 2025 forum in Bali, Zon underscored that the destruction of infrastructure, cultural sites, and community spaces in Palestine reflects a deliberate effort to weaken the nation’s identity.

“What is happening is not just a genocide against a nation, but also a genocide against its culture and civilization,” Zon said in a statement on Thursday.

He reaffirmed Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to supporting Palestine’s struggle for sovereignty and independence, stressing that Jakarta stands ready to contribute through political, diplomatic, and humanitarian channels.

This commitment was formalized with the signing of a letter of intent on cultural cooperation between Indonesia and Palestine. The agreement opens pathways for initiatives such as organizing an international forum on cultural genocide in Gaza, promoting Palestinian cultural products in Indonesia, holding cultural exchange programs, hosting a Palestinian culture week, and translating and publishing Palestinian literature.

Zon emphasized that cultural diplomacy serves as a powerful tool to foster mutual understanding and solidarity while helping preserve Palestine in global memory.

“We will work with the Palestinian ambassador to address technical matters for implementing the cooperation,” he affirmed.

Minister Hamdan praised Indonesia for consistently framing Israel’s actions as genocide and a systematic attempt to erase Palestinian culture.

“They are trying to erase our culture, but our identity will always persist. Support from Indonesia is crucial to maintaining the existence of Palestinian culture,” he said.