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Prabowo says ready to recognise Israel if Palestinians get state
Indonesia has no formal ties with Israel and has consistently called for a two-state solution to the decades-long conflict.
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France's President Emmanuel Macron (L) and President Prabowo Subianto attend a press conference at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on May 28, 2025. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)
P
resident Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday said he would be willing to establish diplomatic relations with Israel if it recognised a Palestinian state, as he held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Jakarta.
Indonesia has no formal ties with Israel and has consistently called for a two-state solution to the decades-long conflict.
"On various occasions, I have said that Indonesia sees that two-state solution and the freedom of Palestine is the only way to achieve the true peace," he told a news conference.
"I also emphasised that we must acknowledge and guarantee Israel's rights as a sovereign country that must be paid attention to and guaranteed safety."
"Indonesia has stated that once Israel recognises Palestine, Indonesia is ready to recognise Israel and open the diplomatic relationship."
Also on Wednesday, Macron reaffirmed his wish to see a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and said there were no double standards in French policy towards the Middle East.
Macron is leaning towards recognising a Palestinian state, diplomats and experts say, a move that could infuriate Israel and deepen Western splits.
"Only a political solution will make it possible to restore peace and build for the long term," Macron said.
"Together with Saudi Arabia, we will soon be organising a conference on Gaza in New York to give fresh impetus to the recognition of a Palestinian state and the recognition of the State of Israel and its right to live in peace and security in this region."
In a joint statement, France and Indonesia called for progress on "mutual recognition" between Israel and the Palestinians at an international conference meant to resurrect the idea of a two-state solution next month which Paris will co-chair.
"The conference should... restore a political prospect of a peaceful settlement of this conflict, which should allow for an irreversible path towards the realisation of a Palestinian State, (and) mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine," they said.
Support for the Palestinian cause runs high in Indonesia and the issue regularly prompts protests.
In 2023, FIFA stripped Indonesia as Under-20 World Cup hosts after some prominent politicians called for Israel to be kicked out of the tournament and refused to host its team.
