Statement by President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Joko Widodo at the Opening of the 5th Extraordinary Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit on Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif, Jakarta, 7 March 2016
Unofficial English Translation
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
His Excellency Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine,
His Excellency Iyad Ameen Madani, Secretary General of the OIC,
His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt,
The Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri,
The Sixth and Eleventh Vice Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia, Bapak Try Sutrisno and Bapak Boediono,
Distinguished Chairpersons of the State Institutions,
Your Excellencies, Heads of State, Heads of Government, and Heads of Delegation of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),
Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In 1962, the Founding Father of Indonesia, the First President of the Republic of Indonesia, President Soekarno, Bung Karno, clearly stated: for as long as the freedom of Palestine has yet to be returned to the Palestinians, then it will forever be for Indonesia to stand in defiance against the occupation conducted by Israel.”
We, Indonesian people, are consistent with that promise. Today, Indonesia stands together with other OIC countries to continue the unfinished struggle. It is an honor for the people and Government of Indonesia to respond to the request of our brother, President Mahmoud Abbas, to host this 5th Extraordinary OIC Summit on Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
Welcome to Indonesia, a beautiful country with the worlds largest muslim population, the worlds third largest democracy. A country that will soon open an honorary consulate in Palestine.
Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,
We and the world are concerned with the current worsening situation in Palestine. Various one–sided and illegal policies as well as collective sanctions implemented by Israel have placed more burden on the Palestinian people. The access of Islamic Ummah to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem have been reinforced. The Palestinians are left helpless. The humanitarian situation in occupied areas is getting worse. We must face the situation together. We must be united. Palestine must be united. Palestine must reconcile. Indonesia stands ready to assist in the reconciliation process.
Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,
OIC was established to support the Palestinians struggle. Hence, the Extraordinary Summits theme, United for a Just Solution, clearly underlines that OIC should be part of the Palestinian solution. If the OIC cannot be part of the solution to Palestine, then the OIC will lose its relevance.
Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,
The international communitys tolerance for Israelis illegal occupation of Palestine has long surpassed. As part of the international community, Israel must immediately end its illegal activities and policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Indonesia and the Islamic world stands ready to undertake concrete steps to urge Israel to end its colonization of Palestine and abuses in Al-Quds Al-Sharif. The Islamic world requires supports from the United Nations in line with its own role and responsibilities. The Islamic world stresses that the peace process must not be further delayed so as to ensure Palestinian independence based on the two-state solution.
Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,
I wish to hear the views from all Heads of State and Government, as well as Heads of Delegation, on the various issues that I have conveyed. This Extraordinary Summit provides an important momentum for the Islamic world to respond to the situations faced by the people of Palestine through concrete measures. Indonesia will always remain at the forefront in support of the Palestinian cause.
On this occasion, allow me to announce that Indonesia has appointed Madame Maha Abu Shusheh as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia for Palestine, and will soon inaugurate the Honorary Consulate in Ramallah, Palestine.
May Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala bless this Extraordinary Summit so that it would result in concrete outcomes that will immediately realize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Thank you.
Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.