The Unwavering Support for Palestine
Indonesia, known for its unwavering support for Palestine, has consistently voiced its stance against Israeli aggression since the Sukarno era. On significant occasions, Indonesian leaders, from presidents to the ulema, emphasize support by mobilizing aid and voicing concern in international forums. This unconditional support has become part of the nation’s identity, signaled by symbolic actions like the recent aid drops into Gaza and fatwas against indirect support for Israel.
Ormat Technologies: A Silent Partner?
Yet, beneath the loud proclamations, a quieter narrative unfolds—one of economic entanglement. Companies like Ormat Technologies, with Israeli origins, have secured foothold in Indonesia’s renewable energy sector. According to Middle East Monitor, projects like the Ijen geothermal project and others in Sarulla are thriving under Ormat, despite contradicting the country’s pro-Palestine declarations.
Local Impact and Hypocrisy
The involvement of Ormat has not only sparked political contradictions but has also affected local communities. Residents near Ormat projects report severe environmental impacts, from poisoned wells to land seizures, drawing heartbreaking parallels to the Palestinian experience of dispossession. These accounts raise questions about the true cost of economic development when tied to firms with roots in an occupying state.
The Influence Beyond Economics
Israel’s strategic use of companies like Ormat as instruments of influence becomes apparent when Indonesian figures participate in programs designed to shift perceptions. Through academic collaborations and exchange programs, such influence seeps into the cultural and educational fabric, further complicating Indonesia’s firm stance on Palestine.
A Call for Consistent Actions
For Indonesia to authentically champion Palestinian freedom, a recalibration is necessary. The nation must reassess its partnerships and align its economic policies with its well-stated political ethos. The alternative partners like Japan and the European Union present viable routes for sustainable development free of controversial ties.
The Path Forward
Matching strong rhetoric with decisive action is crucial for Indonesia. Canceling contracts with Israeli-linked entities and severing academic ties underscores a commitment to genuine solidarity. Actions, not just words, will define Indonesia’s role as a true ally to Palestine, proving that global justice and national policy can indeed coexist.
Indonesia’s choice is clear—either uphold its proclaimed values with integrity or perpetuate a duality that undermines the very causes it seeks to champion.
