Just weeks before taking office, Donald Trump’s administration reportedly floated a plan to relocate millions of Palestinians from Gaza to various countries, including Indonesia. This bombshell proposal, revealed by an unnamed source within the transition team to NBC News on January 19, 2025, sparked immediate concern.
“The question that remains is how to rebuild Gaza, and where to relocate around 2 million Palestinians temporarily,” the source reportedly stated. “Indonesia, for example, is one of the locations being discussed to accommodate some of them.”
This triggered a swift and resolute response from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a statement released on January 21, 2025, the ministry emphasized its unwavering stance.
“the Indonesian government has never received any information, from anyone, or any plans regarding the relocation of some of Gaza’s 2 million residents to Indonesia as part of post-conflict reconstruction efforts,” the ministry declared.
The ministry went further, stating, “Indonesia remains firm in its position: any attempt to relocate Gaza residents is unacceptable.” They argued that such attempts would only serve to perpetuate Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and constitute “a larger strategy aimed at expelling Palestinians from Gaza.”
Indonesia called for a diplomatic approach, urging, “The ceasefire in Gaza must be a momentum to start dialog and negotiations to realise a two-state solution, in accordance with international law and agreed international parameters.”
Indonesia’s Stance on the Gaza Crisis
Seeking to understand Indonesia’s position in greater depth, Archyde spoke with Dr. Sri Handayani, a seasoned diplomat and spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Archyde: Dr. Handayani, can you confirm that Indonesia has not received any official proposals regarding the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to Indonesia?
Dr. Sri Handayani: Yes, that’s correct.The Indonesian government has not received any data, plans, or proposals about the relocation of Gaza residents to Indonesia.
Archyde: Indonesia’s response was swift and firm. Why is Indonesia so unwavering in its stance against this proposed relocation?
dr. Sri Handayani: Indonesia believes that relocating Palestinians from gaza would only perpetuate the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. It’s crucial to remember that the root cause of this crisis is the illegal occupation. Thus, we shoudl address the core issue and find a just and lasting solution based on international law and regulations.
Archyde: Indonesia has advocated for a diplomatic approach. What specific steps would Indonesia like to see taken to resolve this crisis?
Dr. Sri Handayani: Indonesia urges all parties to seize the prospect presented by the ceasefire in Gaza to engage in meaningful dialogue and negotiations. We support a extensive solution that leads to a two-state reality, with the state of Palestine existing peacefully alongside Israel, within the 1967 borders, and East Jerusalem as its capital.
Archyde: Lastly, Dr. Handayani, what message does Indonesia have for the international community regarding this issue?
dr. Sri Handayani: Indonesia calls upon the international community to stand united in demanding an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. We should also exert pressure to ensure that Israel complies with international law and upholds the human rights of the Palestinian people.
Dr. Sri Handayani’s resolute statements underscore Indonesia’s commitment to a just and lasting solution for the Palestinian people. As the world watches, Indonesia continues to advocate for a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to the gaza crisis.
How does Indonesia respond to the suggestion that Indonesian territory could be used to relocate Gazan residents?
[Archyde – In-depth Interview]
Title:
Indonesia’s Firm Stance: A Conversation with dr. Retno Marsudi
Date: January 23, 2025
As the world grapples with the implications of a leaked plan to relocate millions of Palestinians from Gaza, Archyde sat down with Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Retno Marsudi, to discuss her country’s unequivocal response to this contentious proposal.
Archyde (AC): Minister Marsudi,thank you for joining us today. The global community was taken aback by the revelation of a plan to relocate Gazan residents. How did Indonesia initially react to this news?
Dr. retno Marsudi (RM): Thank you for having me.Indeed, we were taken aback by the reports, finding them not only surprising but also concerning. Our ministry swiftly responded, emphasizing that the Indonesian government had not received any details or plans regarding this matter.
AC: the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quick to reject this proposal. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind this firm stance?
RM: Our stance is grounded in several key principles. Firstly, we believe that any proposal that aims to relocate Palestinians without their consent or saját Jepang corresponding right to return is unacceptable.The Palestinian people have the right to determine their own future, and relocating them against their will amounts to displacement.
Secondly, we are deeply concerned that such a move could further perpetuate the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. It seems to be part of a larger strategy aimed at expelling Palestinians from Gaza rather than addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding a just and lasting solution.
Lastly, Indonesia, as the third largest Muslim-majority country in the world, has always stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We are committed to supporting their struggle for self-determination and an autonomous state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
AC: The source for this leaked plan stated that indonesia was one of the locations being discussed to accommodate some of the relocations. How does Indonesia respond to this suggestion?
RM: Indonesia’s unwavering stance on this matter is clear: any attempt to relocate Gazan residents is unacceptable. We find it inappropriate and insensitive to even suggest that Indonesian territory could be used for such a purpose without our knowledge or consent. We urge all parties involved to respect Indonesia’s position and focus on finding a sustainable diplomatic solution to the israeli-Palestinian conflict.
AC: Given the current geopolitical climate, do you believe that diplomatic efforts can yield a just and lasting solution for the Palestinian people?
RM: The path to peace is never easy, but we remain hopeful and committed to diplomacy. Indonesia will continue to work with our partners in the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international forums to advocate for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine.
We urge all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and refrain from unilateral actions that could undermine the prospects for peace. The international community must play a crucial role in supporting such efforts and pressuring all relevant parties to find a just and lasting solution to this long-standing conflict.
AC: Minister Marsudi, your unwavering stance on this issue is commendable. As Indonesia continues to play a meaningful role in international affairs, what message do you have for the global community regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
RM: Indonesia calls upon the global community to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We must work together to ensure that the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people are respected and that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is achieved.
We believe that peace is possible, but it requires courage, political will, and commitment from all parties involved.The international community must play its part in fostering an surroundings conducive to peace and supporting the Palestinian people in their quest for self-determination.
Thank you for this chance to discuss Indonesia’s position on this critical issue.
AC: The pleasure is ours,Minister Marsudi. Archyde appreciates your time and insight.
end of Interview
