MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Although Indonesia and the Middle East are separated by vast geography, the relationship between the two regions remains deeply felt. Shared religious and cultural ties create what many describe as a strong sense of spiritual proximity. As a result, developments in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, resonate widely across Indonesian society.
“There is a personal attachment between us and our Muslim brothers and sisters in that region. So it is not surprising that whatever happens there feels as though we experience it directly, especially in Palestine, which has not yet achieved full independence,” she said during a Muhammadiyah Central Board Study Session on Friday (24/4).
Yuli explained that although Palestinian independence has been declared by Yasser Arafat, a central figure in the Palestinian struggle, Palestine has yet to obtain full sovereignty. Its land remains occupied, and its request for full membership in the United Nations has not been fully accepted.
“This is why it remains a responsibility for us. At the time of the Bandung Conference, we encouraged all Asian and African nations to achieve independence. Independence has been declared, yet the situation remains one of occupation,” she continued.
War in Geopolitical and Islamic Perspective
She described the bond of brotherhood between Indonesia and Palestine as exceptionally strong. Quoting Haedar Nashir, chairman of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, Yuli stated that colonialism is an injustice that must be eradicated.
“Colonialism is dzalim (injustice), and we stand against injustice,” she said, citing Haedar Nashir.
For that reason, she emphasized that conditions of occupation, which can lead to war, must be avoided. Moreover, she stressed that war must not be carried out in a cruel manner or in violation of legal norms.
“War is a complex situation involving multiple dimensions, including humanitarian, geopolitical, and Islamic principles. Therefore, war is the last option when we are faced with emergency conditions,” she said.
To avoid war, she added, a country must possess sufficient strength, both in terms of natural resources and human resources.
Furthermore, she explained that there must be a balance between the domestic environment and the international environment. A country’s political or geopolitical situation is strongly influenced by its surroundings, whether they are peaceful or pose threats.
Regional Dynamics and the ‘Small-State Syndrome’
Yuli then compared this with the situation in Southeast Asia. Countries in the region, she noted, have chosen to build connections with their neighbors rather than engage in conflict. This approach is reflected in agreements such as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, which has helped maintain a relatively peaceful regional atmosphere.
In contrast, she said, the Middle East presents a very different situation. Although there are initiatives such as Middle East Development Cooperation, these have not functioned effectively.
She attributed this to what she described as a “small-state syndrome,” referring specifically to Israel. According to her, Israel is capable of provoking a superpower like the United States, thereby contributing to ongoing conflict in the region.
“This small-state syndrome is extremely persistent. This is the main reason why the region remains tense. Despite its extraordinary natural resources, it has never achieved lasting peace. There are always frictions, primarily due to provocations from Zionist Israel,” she said.
A Call to Support Peace and Justice
Reflecting on these geopolitical conditions and the shared Islamic cultural ties between Indonesia and Middle Eastern countries, Yuli concluded by urging Indonesians to support freedom, independence, and peace.
“No matter how intense the situation in the Middle East becomes, we as Indonesians should support the liberation, independence, and peace of all regions,” she said.
She added that, from both Islamic and international legal perspectives, war must not violate established rules or be conducted in a brutal and unjust manner.
“It must not involve civilians, children, or innocent women. However, what is being carried out by America and Israel violates all of these principles, and this is unjust,” she concluded. (Bhisma)
