TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed its concern with the current situation at the Al Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem. An Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, was shot dead by Israeli Police.
Israeli Police fired shots in an attempt to disperse people protesting against the mosque closure and restrictions for Muslims to enter the mosque.
Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said in a press release received by Tempo today, July 20, that the Indonesian government condemned the access restrictions imposed by Israeli security forces.
Indonesia has urged Israel not to change the status quo at Al Aqsa Mosque.
The Indonesian government also called on the Israeli government to allow all Muslims to access Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
According to Arrmanatha, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has spoken with Jordanian Foreign Minister to discuss the situation.
The Israeli Police closed Al Aqsa Mosque following a shooting incident that killed to police officers and three civilians near the complex on Friday last week. Three perpetrators of the attack were shot dead by police in the mosque’s yard. The Israeli authorities later decided to close down Al Aqsa Mosque, causing Muslims unable to perform Friday prayers.
It was the first ban for Muslims to conduct prayers at the mosque since 1969. Due to massive protests launched by the public and Muslim leaders, Al-Aqsa mosque was reopened in stages. However, Palestinians remain furious since Israeli authorities installed metal detectors at the entrance.
SITA PLANASARI AQUADINI
