TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the opportunity for the country to become a direct mediator in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Despite these aspirations, the ministry said Indonesia has yet to play the role of mediator to date.

L. Amrih Jinangkung, Director General of International Law and Agreements said that Indonesia has mostly used diplomacy thus far rather than directly mediating the parties involved. "We’re not there yet,” said Amrih at a press conference at the ministry office, in Central Jakarta on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Amrih said Indonesia has played many roles in the broad and specific context of diplomacy. For example, Minister Retno Marsudi was appointed special envoy to meet the conflicting parties along with several country members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). However, Indonesia has yet to carry out the function of a mediator.

Meanwhile, Abdul Kadir Jailani, Director General of Asia Pacific and Africa the ministry often hears the aspirations to become direct mediators, especially since Indonesia aims to participate in maintaining world order. Nevertheless, Kadir said every conflict has its own dynamics that must be considered. Kadir believed certain countries were in a better position to take a bigger role.

"It doesn't mean that Indonesia doesn't want to, but we are also paying attention to the current political dynamics. Therefore, we have to be realistic and pragmatic," he said.

Adding to the previous example, Abdul Kadir said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi also frequently conducts diplomacy abroad on the Palestinian issue with fellow foreign ministers from various countries, including the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, namely China, France, Russia, the UK, and the United States.

“This showcases our active role. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs always pushes for a stop to the current violence in Gaza, guarantee the unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid, and finally realize a two-state solution," he said.

Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas will continue this week, with the Israeli team departing no later than July 25. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office did not specify where the negotiation will take place.

NABIILA AZZAHRA

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