TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey Lalu Muhammad Iqbal explained in a written statement on Monday, October 18, 2021, that the reasoning behind the naming of a street in Jakarta after the late-Turkish president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

According to the ambassador, this is a bilateral exchange between the two governments regarding a similar request where the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara requested a street located in front of the embassy to be changed to Ahmet Soekarno, which was granted by the Turkish government.

Iqbal acknowledged the move as a symbol of friendship between the two nations "that have been built since the 15th century. The Turkish government granted Indonesia's request," the statement reads.

Ambassador Iqbal explains that the name change is overseen by diplomatic etiquette and protocols. He said that in exchange, a street in Jakarta will be named after a Turkish national hero which will be decided by the Turkish government.

"Whatever the name will be, it will certainly represent the hopes of the people and leaders of Turkey,' he added.

The plan has garnered attention from members of the public and drew criticism from the deputy chief of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Anwar Abbas, who was vocal to argue that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is a figure who does not align with Islamic teachings.

LANI DIANA WIJAYA