Indonesia has unequivocally condemned the provocative Al Aqsa Visit by an Israeli minister to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. This action, widely perceived as a deliberate incitement, deeply offended Muslims worldwide and drew strong diplomatic protests from Jakarta. Indonesia’s stance reflects its long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause and the sanctity of holy sites, especially Jerusalem’s religious status quo.
The Al Aqsa Visit by the Israeli minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right figure, disregarded warnings from both international bodies and Israeli officials about the potential for escalating tensions. Such incursions into the Al-Aqsa compound, which is revered by Muslims as the third holiest site in Islam, are consistently viewed as violations of the delicate historical and legal status quo governing the holy site.
Indonesia, as the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, views any infringement on the Al Aqsa Visit protocol as a serious affront to religious freedom and international law. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly issued statements, calling the minister’s presence a “provocation” that could ignite further instability in the already volatile region. This demonstrates Indonesia’s consistent and firm diplomatic position.
The repeated nature of such actions, including the recent Al Aqsa Visit by the Israeli minister, adds to the urgency of Indonesia’s condemnation. Jakarta continually urges Israel to respect the agreed-upon status quo and refrain from actions that undermine peace efforts and ignite new cycles of violence. Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts are aimed at preventing such provocations and upholding international norms.
Indonesia’s condemnation is part of a broader international outcry from Muslim-majority countries and organizations that view the Al-Aqsa compound as a vital symbol of Palestinian identity and Islamic heritage. The unified global response against the Al Aqsa Visit reinforces the widespread concern about attempts to alter the character of Jerusalem’s holy sites.
Beyond official statements, the Indonesian public, through various religious and civil society groups, has also expressed strong disapproval of the incident.