French President Macron says upcoming conference on Gaza to 'give a fresh impetus to recognition of Palestinian state'
Indonesia could establish formal relations with Israel if Tel Aviv recognizes a Palestinian state, President Prabowo Subianto said Wednesday during a joint news conference with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Once Palestine gains Israeli recognition, Indonesia will be ready to open diplomatic relations with Israel,” Prabowo said, according to Jakarta Globe News.
Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, is among several nations — including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Malaysia — that do not maintain diplomatic ties with Israel.
Prabowo also said Jakarta has offered to send peacekeeping troops to the region, following the start of Israel's war on Gaza.
Macron, currently on a three-day visit to Indonesia, said the upcoming conference in New York — organized by France and Saudi Arabia — would “give a fresh impetus to the recognition of a Palestinian state as well as the state of Israel and its right to live in peace.”
“We are mobilized to resume a process that can lead us to two states, to mutual recognition, and to lasting peace,” Macron said.
Prabowo added: “We have to recognize and guarantee Israel's right to stand as a sovereign country, one whose security must be guaranteed.”
Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians since last October, according to local health authorities, with most victims being women and children. The war has continued despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing genocide proceedings at the International Court of Justice.
Despite lacking formal diplomatic relations, Jakarta and Tel Aviv maintain indirect trade ties. Jakarta Globe News reported that bilateral trade rose from $187.7 million in 2023 to $237.2 million in 2024, with Indonesia recording a $128.7 million surplus.
