Indonesia has rightly rejected Trump’s initiative, which amounts to an attempt to unjustly displace Palestinians or to change the demography of the Palestinian territory. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that such a plan “obstructs the realization of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine” as envisioned by the two-state solution.

While the strong statement reflects Indonesia’s constant support for Palestine’s independence, it should have come from the mouth of Foreign Minister Sugiono. If necessary, and for a wider impact, President Prabowo Subianto himself can speak up to denounce Washington’s intention.

As a leader who wants to bring his country to the center of global political affairs, Prabowo should be more forthright in defending the rights of Palestinians to be free from Israeli oppression and occupation.

Conversely, the fact that the statement was issued by the Foreign Ministry spokesman gives the impression that Indonesia is too afraid to talk openly to Trump or that it takes the issue lightly.

Trump, who is also a land developer mogul, reminds us of a greedy businessman who colludes with government officials to evict people from their homes as he wants to build real estate there.

Indonesia has been, and should always be, the vanguard of the global movement in defending the rights of the Palestinians to form an independent state. Of course, we expect them to peacefully coexist with neighboring Israel under the internationally accepted two-state solution framework.

The preamble of the 1945 Constitution says “Independence is the inalienable right of all nations; therefore, colonialism must be abolished in the world as it is not in conformity with humanity and justice.”

Indonesia will only open diplomatic ties with Israel if the state of Palestine has become a reality.

During his first term, Trump offered former Indonesian president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo up to US$2 billion in development assistance in exchange for Indonesia’s recognition of Israel and agreement to open diplomatic ties with the Jewish state. Indonesia responded that it would only accept Trump’s offer if he acknowledged Palestine as a free nation.

To realize his eviction of the Gaza people, Trump vowed to take all necessary measures to force Egypt and Jordan to accept the expelled Gazans. The two countries, which for a long time have had to shelter millions of Palestinians, have said they would never bow to Trump’s pressure.

Steve Witkoff, a member of the Trump administration’s transition team, told NBC News in an interview that Trump was considering Indonesia as one of the countries that could accept the Gazans during the reconstruction of Israel’s occupied territory following more than a year of devastating war. 

Indonesia cannot allow this form of ethnic cleansing to take place in Gaza. Sugiono should reaffirm Indonesia's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to independence and to live on their own land.