The Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah Higher Education Chancellors Forum (FR-PTMA) held a demonstration defending Palestine and criticizing Israel. The action, which was attended by around 172 Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah universities throughout Indonesia, was centered on the FISIP campus of Muhammadiyah University, Jakarta, Cirendeu, South Tangerang (Tangsel), Banten, Tuesday (7/5).
FR PTMA’s statement of stance included firmly asking the Indonesian government not to even think or act in establishing diplomatic relations with the country that committed the genocide, Israel. This statement is one of the principles of the Ten Principles of the Statement of Attitudes for Defending Palestine and Condemning Israel issued by FR-PTMA at the Defending Palestine and Condemning Israel Action which was held simultaneously by 172 universities in the Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah circles.
The acts of genocide carried out by Israel once morest Palestine have not yet come to light. Since the conflict heated up once more in October 2023, marked by Israel’s brutal attacks on Palestine, it has claimed the lives of 35,000 people and injured more than 77,867 people.
Due to this inhumane incident, FR-PTMA carried out Defend Palestine actions in their respective campuses simultaneously. The Principles of FR-PTMA in Defending Palestine and Condemning Israel were read by the General Secretary of FR-PTMA, Prof. Dr. Ma’mun Murod, M.Sc. who is also the Chancellor of the Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta (UMJ), among others:
First, FR-PTMA strongly condemns Israel for its disproportionate aggression and military attacks, mass arrests of Palestinian civilians, destruction of various public facilities, especially health facilities, as well as the blockade of humanitarian aid.
Second, to greatly appreciate the support of students, lecturers and professors throughout the world, including campuses in America, Europe, Australia, who have dared to voice their conscience and common sense in rejecting Israel’s crimes of genocide and supporting Palestinian independence.
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Third, strongly condemn the attitude of the United States, France, Britain, Germany and other countries and parties which continue to provide support and assistance to Israel in its aggression and attacks on Palestine.
Fourth, ask the United Nations to force and facilitate negotiations and a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine.
Fifth, support the International Criminal Court (ICC) to try Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli figures involved in the genocide of Palestinians.
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Sixth, condemn the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), Rabithah Alami Islami, and Arab countries for being weak and tending to allow Israel to commit crimes once morest humanity in the form of attacks and murders for their own domestic interests.
Seventh, appreciate the consistency and courage of Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in various world forums to continue to defend and fight for Palestinian independence, reject Israeli crimes, and strongly criticize Western hypocrisy in the case of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Eighth, FR-PTMA asks the Indonesian government not to have the slightest thought, let alone take political steps to open relations with the perpetrator of the genocide, namely Israel. “In accordance with the spirit of the Constitution, UUD 45 states that colonialism on the face of the earth must be abolished. So it is not acceptable if the new Indonesian government plans to open diplomatic relations with Israel. This is very contrary to our country’s constitution,” said Mamun Murod.
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Ninth, FR-PTMA requests that the Indonesian government strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries to realize the birth of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
Tenth, invite all levels of Indonesian society to continue to pay serious attention to the development of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict by continuing to provide moral, material and spiritual assistance to the struggle of the Palestinian people.
Mamun Murod also reminded that there were two Muhammadiyah figures who fought for Palestinian independence, namely Prof. Kahar Muzakir and Lukman Harun. “Even Pak Lukman Harun is called the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs,” said Mamun Murod.
The call for simultaneous action to defend Palestine within the PTMA was issued by FR-PTMA on May 7 2024. Muhammadiyah University Jakarta (UMJ) held an action to defend Palestine at Campus A (Cireundeu), Plaza UMJ and Campus B (Cempaka Putih), precisely in the Faculty of Science Building Field. Nursing (FIK).
During this action, hundreds of UMJ academics consisting of lecturers, students and educational staff stopped daily lecture and office activities and gathered at the action point as a form of support and a statement of their firm stance regarding the genocide once morest Palestinians which has been going on for more than six months.
A number of UMJ FISIP lecturers and other UMJ lecturers and UMJ students took turns giving speeches shouting free Palestine and criticizing Israel as well as calling for a boycott of Israeli and American products. Apart from thunderous shouts of takbir and anti-Israel chants, there was also a symbolic action of burning the symbol of the Israeli flag. (Z-2)
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