Indonesia support for Palestine remains strong, according to the Palestinian ambassador to Indonesia, who on Friday evening spoke emotionally about the depth of solidarity he has encountered since taking up his post in Jakarta. Addressing guests at an iftar gathering hosted by the Palestinian Embassy, the envoy said the warmth and compassion shown by Indonesians had exceeded his expectations and reinforced the sense that Palestinians are not facing their struggles alone.
The remarks were delivered by Abdulfattah AK Al-Sattiri, who officially assumed his role earlier this year. Speaking candidly, Al-Sattiri said the scale of public empathy and political support he has experienced in Indonesia was unlike anything he had previously imagined.
“I did not expect this level of support,” he said during the event in Jakarta. “In Indonesia, I can’t imagine how great the love for Palestine is, the love and affection the Indonesian people have for Palestine.”
Al-Sattiri replaced his predecessor in January 2026, becoming the first Palestinian ambassador to Indonesia to come directly from Gaza. His appointment carries symbolic weight, reflecting not only diplomatic continuity but also the lived experience of someone who has witnessed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza firsthand.
During his remarks, the ambassador spoke of the suffering endured by civilians under Israeli occupation, drawing on his own experiences as a resident of Gaza. He said those experiences have shaped how he understands solidarity, empathy, and international support.
The personal nature of his story has resonated strongly with Indonesians. Al-Sattiri recounted moments when people became visibly emotional simply upon learning that he was from Gaza, even before knowing his diplomatic status.
“When people find out I’m from Gaza, they start crying,” he said. “If I tell my family in Gaza about this, they start crying too. So this huge support is very much appreciated. And we know we are not alone.”
Throughout his speech, Al-Sattiri emphasized the close relationship between Indonesia and Palestine, describing it not merely as a political alliance but as a familial bond rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
“Indonesia and Palestine are one big family,” he said. “We are together, and we will work together in the future to see Palestine and the Al-Aqsa Mosque liberated.”
His reference to the Al-Aqsa Mosque holds deep significance for Muslims worldwide, including in Indonesia, which is home to the world’s largest Muslim population. For many Indonesians, support for Palestine is closely tied to religious sentiment as well as a broader commitment to justice and self-determination.
Indonesia has long been one of the most consistent supporters of the Palestinian cause on the international stage. The country does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel and has repeatedly voiced support for Palestinian statehood in global forums.
Al-Sattiri acknowledged this steadfast position, expressing gratitude not only for official government policy but also for the grassroots solidarity shown by ordinary Indonesians. He said the alignment between public sentiment and state policy was particularly striking.
“We have enormous support, both for the people in Gaza and the West Bank,” he said, referring also to conditions in the West Bank, where tensions and violence have continued to rise.
Observers note that Indonesia’s support for Palestine has been reflected in diplomatic statements, humanitarian aid, and public demonstrations of solidarity. From mass rallies to fundraising initiatives, Indonesians across different backgrounds have consistently mobilized in response to developments in Palestinian territories.
One of the most notable aspects of Al-Sattiri’s remarks was his emphasis on emotional connection rather than formal diplomacy. He described the relationship between Indonesians and Palestinians as one grounded in empathy and shared humanity.
According to the ambassador, this emotional bond is felt in everyday interactions, not only in official meetings. He said that expressions of care and concern often come from people he encounters informally, underscoring how deeply the Palestinian cause resonates with the Indonesian public.
“They love and support us from the bottom of their hearts,” he said. “This is something very special.”
Analysts say such emotional ties help explain why the Palestinian issue remains highly salient in Indonesia, even as global attention shifts between crises. For many Indonesians, Palestine represents not a distant geopolitical issue but a moral cause closely linked to principles of justice, independence, and human dignity.
Al-Sattiri’s comments came amid ongoing instability in Gaza and the West Bank, where civilians continue to face violence, displacement, and economic hardship. International organizations have repeatedly warned of deteriorating humanitarian conditions, particularly in Gaza, where access to basic necessities remains constrained.
By sharing his personal experiences, the ambassador sought to humanize these statistics and reports, reminding audiences that behind political debates are families and communities enduring daily hardship.
He said the knowledge that countries like Indonesia stand firmly with Palestine provides moral strength to those living under occupation.
Solidarity as a source of strength
Beyond expressions of gratitude, Al-Sattiri also looked to the future, calling for continued cooperation between Indonesia and Palestine. He suggested that the relationship could expand beyond political support to include broader people-to-people engagement, cultural exchange, and humanitarian collaboration.
“We will work together in the future,” he said, signaling optimism that Indonesia’s role could remain influential in advocating for Palestinian rights and supporting reconstruction and development efforts when conditions allow.
Indonesian officials attending the event echoed similar sentiments, reaffirming their country’s commitment to supporting Palestine through diplomatic channels and international advocacy. While specific initiatives were not detailed during the gathering, the tone of the event underscored continuity rather than change in Indonesia’s stance.
For Al-Sattiri, the evening’s iftar was not only a diplomatic function but also a moment of reassurance. He said the visible support from Indonesian officials, civil society, and the public at large sent a powerful message to Palestinians facing ongoing challenges.
“Palestine is not alone,” he said firmly, repeating a message that has become central to his outreach efforts since arriving in Indonesia.
As the event concluded, guests reflected on the ambassador’s words as a reminder of why the Palestinian issue continues to command attention in Indonesia. In a world often divided by political interests, the gathering served as a testament to how shared values and empathy can sustain long-standing bonds.
For now, Indonesia support for Palestine remains strong, rooted not only in policy statements but also in the heartfelt connections described by an ambassador whose personal journey has brought the realities of Gaza closer to the Indonesian public.
