Other Publications
Jihadists the last thing Gaza needs: Minister
Tony Hotland and Abdul Khalik , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Wed, 01/07/2009 7:32 AM | Headlines
The government maintained Tuesday its stance of refusing to send Indonesian troops to the Gaza Strip despite mounting pressure from some Islamic groups to dispatch jihadists to the besieged Middle Eastern spot.
The Foreign Ministry said sending jihadists to Gaza to help Hamas fight Israel would not improve the situation, adding there were much more effective avenues Indonesia could take to help diffuse the situation.
A number of Islamic hardline groups, including the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI), have said they wish to send volunteers to Gaza under the banner of jihad and have called on the government to support them.
“Is conducting a jihad effective? We must ask Gaza if that’s what they need, and most probably they (don’t). There are other more effective ways to help ... So far, sending jihadists isn’t an option,” Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said.
AFP reported Tuesday that the 11-day-old Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip had claimed the lives of at least 635 Palestinians and wounded 2,900 more.
The toll shot up Tuesday when Israeli fire hit three schools, killing at least 45 people.
Speaking in his annual statement to the press, Hassan said what Gaza needed most was medicine and medical assistance.
“We are looking at the possibility of sending medical workers to field hospitals in the Egypt area of Sinai, which borders with Gaza. We’re awaiting clearance from Egypt, and the President has instructed the health minister to collect volunteers,” Hassan said.
Despite agreeing that the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip had nothing to do with religion, Islamic groups in Jakarta have hyped up the conflict between the two religious groups, paving the way for the Islamic-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and other Islamic groups to seize the momentum ahead of the April elections.
Observers on Tuesday criticized nationalist parties for not shouting down calls by Islam groups to send volunteers to the war, which was defined by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Monday as a clash over the sovereignty of territory between Palestine and Israel, and not a religious matter.
“The nationalist groups should be more active in voicing their stance as Indonesia’s voice will be much more strong if the (the world) considers it to represent a pluralist Indonesia rather than only Islam,” University of Indonesia international relations expert Hariyadi Wirawan said.
He said a pluralist Indonesia would attract more sympathy from major non-Muslim countries, such as members of the European Union (EU), as well as powerful human rights groups world wide that see the attacks as a territory dispute and a human rights tragedy rather than an attack against Islam.
PKS, the FPI and HTI seized the spotlight immediately after Israeli began the attacks when the groups gathered thousands of supporters in Jakarta and other big cities in the country to rally against Israel and the US.
Other political parties and nationalist groups did not take part in the rallies, and media coverage has refused to voice their stance on the conflict.
What's On
- Indonesia Furniture Fair
11/14/2009 11/22/2009 Jakarta Convention Center - Indonesia Maternity & Baby Expo 2009
11/20/2009 11/22/2009 Jakarta Convention Center
- Festival of India
10/29/2009 12/15/2009 Balai Kartini & Umar Ismail Hall, Jakarta
- Imagemakers of the Future: Photography exhibition
10/10/2009 11/30/2009 Alila Ubud Desa Melinggih Kelod Payangan, Gianyar 80572, Bali - Timeless Change
11/05/2009 12/07/2009 Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Hotel Jimbaran, Bali. - Choreography of Colours; Sardono W. Kusumo's first solo painting exhibition
11/12/2009 12/12/2009 vivi yip art room Annexe Ciputra World Marketing Gallery Jalan Prof Satrio Kav 11, Casablanca
Steve Meister (not verified) — Tue, 01/13/2009 - 12:54pm
Very well said Iain.
Budi S. (not verified) — Sat, 01/10/2009 - 8:09am
Iain, who says that we want to be heard by the Israelis ? Just as you say Israel doesn't need our diplomatic relation, we don't need diplomatic with them either. Tell us what on earth is the benefit of having a relation with Israel ?? Did Jordan & Egypt recognition of it bring change on the ground for the better to the Palestinians ? NO, Israel is arrogant and never listen to anyone. So why should we have a relation with an ILLEGAL state ? Don't be so naive as to think that anyone will listen to your spinning of logic and reality...Israel must act first by recognizing a Palestinian state in West Bank & Gaza without any settlements in it then we can talk about having relation with it. That is a legal requirement agreed upon by the world through UN which Isreal continuouly ignored. Obviously you are a strong pro-israel no matter how much atrocities it has committed.
Iain — Sun, 01/11/2009 - 9:08am
Budi, you are just repeating what des pledger said, and I have already responded to it. Des pledger claims, as do you, that Israel must recognise Palestine (and other conditions) before Indonesia and Malaysia will recognise it. You, and des pledger, seem to think Israel needs or wants the recognition from Indonesia (a sort of arrogant feeling of self-importance). Hence my response, Israel most likely does not care whether it has a relationship with countries like Indonesian and Malaysia, especially when they are unable to look at the Palestine/Israel situation fairly and balanced.
Indonesia has said it wants the violence to stop. If Indonesia wants Israel to listen to its calls to stop violence then the first thing it can do is create diplomatic relations with Israel. Otherwise, when someone says "Oh, btw, Indonesia wants you to stop the violence" their response will be "Indonesia? Who are Indonesia?"
So, fine, you don't want to recognise Israel, then life will just go on just as it is now, and your calls and complaints are just wasting your breath. And Israel is quite happy with that. Quite happy it doesn't have to deal with diplomats from 2nd rate politically motivated and reactive governments like Indonesia and Malaysia.
No, I am not pro-israeli regardless of its atrocities. Are you anti-israeli regardless of Palestinian atrocities?
Argun — Fri, 01/09/2009 - 8:48pm
I strongly suggest that Indonesia, Malaysia and other Muslim countries do not have diplomatic ties with the occupiers of Palestinian land. A diplomatic tie means they have the right to exist. It is an illegal occupation. Trade naturally resumes after sometime maybe it may not for many years. How ever Qatar has had low-level diplomatic ties for 11 years or so. Many are doing business with the occupiers indirectly.
Yesterday America was powerful today it is seeking money from the same Muslims who they have waged war against. Occupiers of Palestinian are worried that American tax money, which headed their way, is slowing so it has to look at other options. The region they occupy is full of money so they are looking for ways of reaching out to these governments. Although they have their men women (need them to screw the victim to accept their terms) in governments to make sure they get their money. Did you know that the occupiers sell weapons of mass destruction to the world and they are apparently the world’s second suppliers?
Turkey has diplomatic ties but how effective have they been in stopping the crime against humanity. Mossad who work for the occupiers have unsuccessfully launched its attack on turkey – telling Turkey from the occupation to shut it. Other repressive rulers in the region have ties with the occupiers but have you seen how effective have they been. Abbas was the occupiers little baby but he achieved nothing. He was doing the occupiers work of eliminating his own now the occupiers are doing the job he told was doing. Even with diplomatic ties Qatar was not able to send humanitarian relief. Only Algazeera is allowed in but with limited access. So far the occupiers have always dictated terms, which the Muslims have to accept.
West has planted this mess and they want this shitty little occupation to stay far away from them as possible.
As for other countries you have mentioned well I am not going to waste my time on them. Though I do have fond memories of Egypt.
Now what the non-Muslims hate are jihadis. They have been setting up puppets in Muslim world to deal with the ‘real Muslim” men. Remember Abbas and hosni.
So diplomatic ties does not work.
Iain — Fri, 01/09/2009 - 4:49pm
For those here who would like to consider themselves un-biased and realistic in the latest violence in Israel/Palestine... read the article from the the link below and tell me if you agree with it.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24889002-7583,00.html
Iwan2 (not verified) — Fri, 01/09/2009 - 4:32pm
Shalom as they say in northern gaza, seems that emotions and religious doctrine are winning on this board part in thanks to the irresponsible Indonesia television broadcasts and lack of education in the public domain. Lets have a quick peek:
TV censorship of wrestling, violent movies, fashion TV and bang dead Palestinian babies on the 5,6 and 7 o'clock news (repeated at 12 and 1).
-Israel recognizes Indonesia including its claim to Papua
-Indonesia does not recognize Israel
-Israel has over 1 million Arabs/Palestinians living inside Israel. They vote and have parliament members to represent them
-Palestinian Authority has no Israeli citizens and a limited amount of non muslims.
-Hamas does not recognize Israels' rights to exist? and included in their sharia code is the right to implement 'crucifixion'. Hamas is defined as a terrorist organization.
Therefore, if someone who does not recognize your right to exist and fires rockets into that country, you would expect retribution. I would expect no less of my own government and its standing army. Now Sending jihadists well there certainly is enough room in the desert for a place to bury them.
Mikhail (not verified) — Fri, 01/09/2009 - 1:25pm
Have you heard that Israel's shelling not only killing refugees in UN compound but UN workers riding aid trucks even after UN has informed Israel of these trucks. Is this a sign of professional, strong army ?? NO, Israel's army is nothing but a bunch of COWARDS & WEAKLINGS who knows strength only come by killing as many people as possible even innocent civilians. They are barbaric, amateur, and worse than even the worst army in the world. Don't ever believe that slogan of the mighty Israel army. It's all illusion and lies. They are certainly much below the Indonesian Army in terms of standard...
Iain — Fri, 01/09/2009 - 1:44pm
Mikhail, ever heard of the 6 day war?
To des pegler (not verified) — Thu, 01/08/2009 - 5:43pm
Indonesia, Malaysia and other muslims world will definitely recognize israel and will have diplomatic relations once the israel signed peace agreement with palestianians and the establishment of Palestine state.
Make peace with Palestine then you can talk about having diplomatic relations with us Indonesia and Malaysia. Combine these two countries resources and population Israel will gain benefits in terms of trade, tourism and many more. If not Israel will be the last nation these two nations would visit and have strong relations.Think about that and get back to us. We are tired of Israel seeking to have diplomatic relations with us and at the same time Israel indiscriminately killing and slaughtering innocent Palestine.
Recently the slaughter of hundreds of young policeman in Gaza, while they are celebrating of becoming traffic police, cis and criminal police and so on. i really hope hamas or hizbullah have that kind of missiles and hit the Israel pinpointed the target instead of always misfiring or malfunctions qassm who only make hole in the desert.
Iain — Fri, 01/09/2009 - 1:48pm
Isreal does not need or actively seek diplomatic relations with either Malaysia or Indonesia. Indonesian citizens can enter Israel for tourism already... and many do every year.
The point is, Indonesia wants to be heard, Indonesia wants changes in Palestine. If it wants to be heard, if it wants to help the Palestinians, the it will have to open diplomatic relations with Israel and then they will start listening.
Just like Egypt, Jordan and Turkey.