Asian Games Revives New Spirit for Palestine: President Jokowi

President Jokowi receives Chairman of the Palestinian Olympic Committee Jibril Mahmoud Muhammad Rajoub at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (8/21). (Photo by: Oji/ Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat).

The 2018 Asian Games revives new spirit for Palestinian’s struggle as well as for peace and brotherhood, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

The President made the statement when receiving a courtesy call from Chairman of the Palestinian Olympic Committee Jibril Mahmoud Muhammad Rajoub at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (8/21).

The President mentioned the extraordinary support given by Indonesian supporters during parade of nations, and during football match when Palestinian football team defeated Indonesian team 2-1.

For the record, Palestine sends 88 athletes representing 14 sports to the 2018 Asian Games.

In the meantime, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, who accompanied the President during the meeting, said that Jibril Mahmoud expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s support to Palestinian delegates.

Jibril Mahmoud, according to Retno, also delivered a message from President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas regarding the current situation in Palestine and expressed high appreciation for the consistency of Indonesia’s support for Palestine. President Abbas also expressed hope that Indonesia will continue to help the Palestinian cause, Retno said.

The Minister further said that Palestinian delegates at the 2018 Asian Games come from Fatah and Hamas, and sport turns out to be able to unify differences and become a momentum to unite Palestinians. She added that Indonesia’s support for Palestine is all the way, anywhere, and not limited to political support. (FID/OJI/ES) (RI/EP/Naster)