“The embassy regrets to observe that [the] Palestinian flag had been raised during non-peaceful rallies connected with pure[ly] Indonesian domestic affairs,” the embassy said in a statement available on Wednesday.

“It’s crystal clear that such [an] attitude, which is not acceptable, cannot be considered by any means as a sign of support or solidarity with Palestine,” it added.

The embassy said true and genuine friends of Palestine should be seeking to preserve stability and peace in their own country if they were sincere to keeping the peace in Palestine.

Therefore, the embassy expressed its confidence that the Indonesian people cannot be deceived by any misguided individuals or groups who might use its flag to cover up possible ill-intended, hidden agendas.

(Read also: Police investigate possible insult to state symbol during FPI rally)

The embassy did not mention names of individuals or specific groups in its statement.

But new reports revealed that during massive rallies late last year, which were organized by the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Council’s Fatwa (GNPF-MUI), the Palestinian flag was often seen raised along with other symbols.

The rallies took place to demand the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy. (jun)

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