Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington, D.C., USA, November 12, 2023

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Ladies and Gentlemen, My Fellow Citizens.
I have just attended the Extraordinary Summit of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which was carried out specifically to discuss the situation in Palestine.

During the summit, I stated that the world is helplessly witnessing the suffering of the Palestinian people. Thus, I invited the OIC member countries to unite and be at the forefront in fighting for justice for the Palestinian people. A ceasefire must be implemented immediately, humanitarian aid must be accelerated and increased, peace negotiation must begin immediately, public facilities and humanitarian activities must not be the target of attacks, and Israel must be held accountable for the atrocities it has committed.

Thank God, the OIC Summit has produced a resolution with a very strong message for the world. I will convey the message to President Biden tomorrow. The resolution comes from 57 countries, about a third of the number of countries in the world. I will also convey a message from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who asked me specifically to convey it to President Biden.

On this occasion, let me extend my full support to Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs who has been appointed as one of the Foreign Ministers entrusted by the OIC leaders to play an active role in achieving peace in Palestine. Regarding the latest situation in the Indonesian Hospital in Palestine, I have also highlighted, at the Summit and during bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit, the importance of respecting international humanitarian law.

Let me reiterate that from the beginning of the attack, the government has taken measures and will continue to take measures to protect Indonesian citizens and public facilities, including the Indonesian Hospital.

I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(RI/LW)