Indonesia made headlines this week by signalling their conditional willingness to recognize Israel if Israel reciprocates by recognising Palestinian statehood. The announcement came amid ongoing Middle Eastern tensions and renewed calls for two-state solutions.
Indonesia, home to one of the world’s largest Muslim populations, has never had formal diplomatic ties with Israel. Instead, for years Jakarta has supported and advocated for an independent Palestinian state as a prerequisite to normalizing relations between Tel Aviv and Jakarta.
Retno Marsudi, Indonesian Foreign Minister stated during a press briefing held Wednesday: ‘Indonesia remains committed to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Indonesia would consider recognising Israel, provided they fully recognize Palestine based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital’
Indonesia’s statement signaled a marked change in diplomatic tone, joining a growing number of nations who are exploring conditional normalization with Israel under specific peace frameworks. Furthermore, this decision echoed Indonesia’s longstanding support of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative which offers full diplomatic recognition to Israel by Arab and Muslim states in exchange for full withdrawal from occupied territory and establishment of a Palestinian state.
Marsudi emphasized Indonesia’s position is grounded in international law and United Nations resolutions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She called for mutual and equitable recognition between parties involved, calling on Israel to take concrete steps toward ending occupation and permitting Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination.
Though Israel has yet to respond publicly, Indonesia’s statements have already caused ripples of unease throughout the international community. Analysts view Indonesia’s conditional openness as an attempt at diplomatic engagement that might influence other Muslim-majority nations to adopt similar positions; potentially reigniting momentum for peace talks in a region long plagued by distrust and conflict.
Palestinian leaders have welcomed Jakarta’s statement. A spokesperson from the Palestinian Authority, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, appreciated Indonesia’s principled support, noting: ‘Any path toward regional peace must pass through Palestine with fair treatment being provided.”
Israel officials have traditionally maintained that recognition should not be tied to preconditions; however, recent international developments–including normalization agreements with several Arab states under Abraham Accords–suggest Israeli leaders may now be open to strategic diplomatic engagements.
Observers recognize Indonesia’s position could hold considerable clout at international forums like the UN and OIC, particularly as a member of G20 and an influential voice within Global South countries. Allies and foes alike closely follow Indonesia’s foreign policy moves.
Indonesian civil society groups and religious leaders have generally welcomed the government’s statement, viewing it as an affirmation of Indonesia’s moral and diplomatic commitment to peace. Some do, however, warn that any normalization with Israel must come only after significant progress is achieved on Palestinian issues.
Indonesia’s conditional recognition offer is an affirmation that meaningful progress in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains both challenging and possible; provided mutual respect and international law are upheld.
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