On May 14, Sukamta, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, criticized Israel’s approval of new housing in the West Bank, linking this to a lack of UN sanctions. He highlighted the double standards in international responses to the Israel-Palestine conflict compared to the Ukraine conflict, urging Indonesia to take a proactive role in advocating for Palestinian rights and enforcing international sanctions on Israel, while also strengthening its own national capabilities.
On May 14, in Jakarta, Sukamta—a member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI)—expressed grave concerns regarding Israel’s recent approval to construct 4,427 new homes in the occupied West Bank. He emphasized that Israel continues its annexation of Palestinian territory unopposed, largely due to the lack of sanctions from the United Nations and the international community. Sukamta pointed out the stark contrast in the global response to Israel’s actions compared to the sanctions imposed on Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He remarked, “Israel’s crimes against Palestine continue as a result of the absence of strict sanctions from the United Nations and the international community,” highlighting the apparent double standards in international political reactions. He criticized the international community for prioritizing political and economic interests over humanitarian concerns, noting that the extent of human suffering inflicted upon the Palestinian people far exceeds that experienced in Ukraine. Sukamta urged the Indonesian government to adopt a proactive stance in the Palestinian issue and in its broader role in global geopolitics. He urged Indonesia to move beyond merely facilitating G-20 events and to instead take strong diplomatic actions to confront Israel’s transgressions. He recommended that Indonesia should advocate for the United Nations to deploy peacekeepers in Palestine and enforce strict sanctions against Israel. Moreover, he proposed long-term strategies to bolster Indonesia’s economy, technological capabilities, and defense, arguing that such advancements would prevent developed nations from undermining Indonesia’s international influence. Sukamta’s remarks came against the backdrop of escalating violence in the region, including the recent shooting of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by Israeli forces and attacks on Palestinian worshippers at Al Aqsa mosque during Ramadan, further underscoring the urgent need for international attention and intervention in the Palestinian conflict.
The ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories has been a contentious issue for decades, marked by various incidents of violence and geopolitical disputes. Recently, Israel has escalated its settlement expansion in the West Bank, which many countries and international organizations categorize as illegal under international law. The disparity in global responses to conflicts, such as that between Israel and Palestine versus the situation in Ukraine, raises critical questions about international justice and equity in dealing with humanitarian crises. This article emphasizes the viewpoint of Indonesian political figures advocating for a more balanced international approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in light of Indonesia’s influential role as a member of the G-20.
In summary, Sukamta’s statements reflect a growing frustration with the lack of international consequences for Israel’s actions in Palestine. He demands a more active diplomatic approach from Indonesia to address these issues and calls for the enforcement of international sanctions as a necessary measure to curb Israel’s annexation policies. His insistence on a dual strategy of immediate diplomatic pressure and long-term national strengthening highlights the complexities of Indonesia’s position in global politics, particularly concerning human rights and colonialism.
Original Source: fraksi.pks.id
