Indonesia strongly condemned Thursday the decision of the Israeli government over the settlement building in East Jerusalem, calling on the international communities to launch collective action to urge Israel to halt settlement.
Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said the settlement building goes against international law and the UN resolution, risking peace process efforts in the region torn by decades of conflicts.
“The Indonesian government strongly condemns the decision of Israeli government to develop settlement building in East Jerusalem,” Marty told the press after opening an exhibition forum at the foreign ministry building.
The Israeli government Tuesday approved the development of 900 homes on West Bank land in a move that has drawn criticism from Washington D.C. Israel defied a request from Washington to block the additional settlement Monday when US special envoy met with an aide to Israel Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu in London.
“Israeli government is apparently not ready for talks as they keep coming up with decisions that hampers (peace efforts). Other countries, including the United States and other Western countries have voiced similar concern... International communities have to join up efforts to urge Israel government to halt the settlement,” he said.
Indonesia is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, citing rights of independence for every nation as enshrined in the country's Constitution. Under New Asia Africa Strategic Partnership forum, Jakarta organizes trainings for Palestinian officials as efforts to build their capacity and skills.
Jakarta has no diplomatic ties with Israel and Israeli citizens are banned from entering the country.
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