Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) praised Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi for her outspoken stance in defending Palestine at the recent UN Security Council session. Jokowi expressed this at the National Working Meeting of the Indonesian Islamic Da’wah Institute in Jakarta, Tuesday (7/11/2023).

Jokowi said Indonesia’s position regarding the war in Gaza continues to provide support for Palestine. So the attitude shown by Retno is the right thing.

“Let’s look at the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Retno Marsudi, when she was at the UN Security Council when she was the most vocal, the strongest and the most opposed,” said Jokowi.

“I’m also surprised that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is a nice person but how come the Security Council is so fierce,” he added.

Apart from that, according to Jokowi, the war taking place in Gaza must also be paid attention to. Because, this could have an impact on Indonesia.

Retno’s speech

While speaking at the UN Security Council Session in New York, USA, Tuesday (24/10/2023), Retno urged the UN Security Council to immediately act to stop the Israeli – Palestinian conflict to overcome the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Retno said that every second wasted without real action from the UN Security Council had a dire impact on Palestinians in Gaza. Indonesia also strongly condemns Israel’s continued aggression against civilians in Gaza.

“I want to remind you that the Security Council has a big responsibility to maintain peace and security, not allowing the war to drag on or helping one of the parties continue the war,” said Retno in the UN Security Council’s High-Level Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East held in New York, Tuesday (24/10/2023).

Retno also said that the UN Security Council must not remain silent watching the disasters and crimes against humanity that are happening in Palestine.

Currently, Israel is carrying out attacks on hospitals and places of worship, blockading electricity, water and fuel, and expelling Gaza residents. At the same time, civilians are being held hostage and facing threats to their lives.

Apart from that, Retno emphasized that Indonesia was not wasting time in mobilizing international support. Through the OIC, ASEAN, and the ASEAN-GCC meeting, D8, Indonesia called for a unified voice to urge an end to violence and focus on the issue of humanitarian disaster.

At least currently, Indonesia is urging three things to be done immediately, namely a joint call for an immediate ceasefire, prioritizing humanitarian access, and humanity must be returned to the Security Council.

“Please use your great power for humanity. Palestinians have the right to equal rights and treatment. We are all humans. We all have the right to have a home. We must reject the expulsion of Palestinians. Don’t let the 1948 tragedy happen again,” said Retno.

“The DK has great power, and with great power comes great responsibility, to overcome the situation in Gaza and the root of the problem, and ensure the realization of a two-state solution,” he continued.

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(miq/miq)