Jokowi Asks Joe Biden to Do More to End Atrocities in Gaza

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo urged his United States counterpart, Joe Biden, to take stronger action to stop Israeli atrocities in Gaza and help realize a ceasefire as the two met at the White House on Monday, Nov. 13.

Earlier in the weekend, Jokowi took part in the extraordinary joint summit of Arab and Muslim countries in Riyadh. The summit condemned Israel and called for a ceasefire.

“Indonesia appeals to the U.S. to do more to stop the atrocities in Gaza,” Jokowi said at the Oval Office on Monday. “A ceasefire is a must for the sake of humanity.”

Meanwhile, U.S. officials have reportedly said that Biden wants Indonesia to play a greater role in the Middle East, including on ceasefires and long-term goals like a two-state solution and Gaza reconstruction.

Despite its support for Israel, the US has recently started calling for more restraint and pauses in the fighting so that humanitarian aid can be delivered or captives held by Hamas can be released.

The US seeks to expand cooperation with Indonesia into a so-called comprehensive strategic partnership. “This will mark a new era of relations between the United States and Indonesia across the board, affecting everything,” Biden said as he sat next to Jokowi.

The two leaders also discussed the conflict in Myanmar and new defense cooperation, such as cybersecurity, space, climate, joint exercises, and nuclear threats. On climate, they agreed on efforts to support the power grid and improve air quality.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Jokowi also emphasized Indonesia's longstanding neutrality. “Indonesia is always open to cooperate with any country, and not to take sides with any power, except the side of peace and humanity,” he said.

DEWI RINA CAHYANI | AL JAZEERA | REUTERS

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