April 10, 2025 | 11:41 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Anwar Abbas questioned the idea of President Prabowo Subianto who plans to accommodate Palestinian residents from Gaza to Indonesia.
Anwar is puzzled considering the plan to relocate Palestinian residents out of Gaza is an idea of the United States (US) President Donald Trump, which is supported by Israel.
"The question is, why is Indonesia imitating the plans of Israel and the United States?" said Anwar in a written statement on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Anwar mentioned Israel and the US's desire to vacate Gaza so that Israel could more freely occupy and control the area. As a result, Anwar emphasized, Israel could place its citizens in the occupied Gaza.
Anwar expressed concern that in due course, Gaza would become part of Greater Israel which the US and Israel have long aspired to. For instance, he pointed out what happened to Jerusalem.
"In the past, Jerusalem was ruled by the Palestinian people. Now the city is occupied by Israel," he said. Furthermore, Anwar also reminded about Israel's claim that Jerusalem is its capital.
According to Anwar, Indonesia must learn from history in facing the international political maneuvers carried out by Israel and must be smart about it.
"We must not allow our country to be deceived by Israel," he said.
Anwar's concern increased following Prabowo's visit to five Arab countries in the near future. Prabowo is planned to visit the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan.
"The five countries to be visited by Prabowo are those with good relations with Israel and the United States," said Anwar.
Anwar explained that Turkey has had diplomatic relations with Israel since 1949; Egypt since 1979; Jordan since 1994; the United Arab Emirates since 2020; and Qatar, which, although it does not have diplomatic relations, has had unofficial trade relations with Israel since 1996.
Anwar expressed concern that Indonesia would consult with these countries and end up deciding to open diplomatic relations with Israel.
"It would be better if Prabowo does not imitate the evacuation of Gaza residents to Indonesia. Because if that happens, don't dream that Israel will accept the return of the evacuated Gaza residents," he said.
Anwar considered if Prabowo wants to assist in the treatment and care of sick or injured Gaza residents, he should prioritize cooperation with the five countries to be visited.
"As a nation that has been colonized for 350 years, we must understand that the colonizers have a thousand and one ways and deceptions," he said.
President Prabowo Subianto wants to evacuate 1,000 Gaza residents to Indonesia. He is departing to the five countries in the Middle East, namely the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan to seek support.
Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia will carry out his plan if it receives the green light from all parties, including countries currently actively assisting the Palestinian people in Gaza.
"The condition is that all parties must agree to this. Second, they are only here temporarily until they recover, and when they have recovered and are healthy, and the conditions in Gaza allow, they must return to their place of origin," Prabowo said at a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase, Jakarta, before departing to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, early Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
"I think that is the attitude of the Indonesian Government. Therefore, I have to consult with leaders in those areas."
Editor's Choice: Prabowo Says Indonesia Ready to Host Thousands of Gaza's Wounded and Orphaned
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