Ending Indonesia's hypocrisy
On June 8, at a D-8 meeting in Istanbul, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that "D-8 member countries cannot sit back and relax as genocide continues to take place in Gaza."
Anti-colonial rhetoric
Undeniably, Retno is an icon of what Indonesia promotes as a free and active foreign policy. Indonesia's spirit of anti-colonialism has put her at the forefront of defending the Palestinian cause at the international level. Retno and all other Indonesian politicians, like to take pride in the preamble of Indonesia 's 1945 Constitution which affirms that "freedom is the right of all nations". But it's worth asking, what is a nation in the eyes of Indonesia?
All from Islamic perspective
If Indonesia has a long track record of solidarity with Muslim nations such as Palestine, Algeria, Bosnia, this is not the case with Tibetans, Kanakys, and other non-Muslim nations. Based on this observation, it can be assumed that what Indonesia means by a nation that deserves independence is one that is Muslim and oppressed by non-Muslims.
Now, let's reflect on what Retno said. Yes, indeed, we cannot just "sit back and relax when genocide continues to take place in Gaza". However, let's not forget the horrific crimes committed by the Indonesian army against Indonesian civilians labeled as communists (1965-1967), against the people of East Timor (1975-1999), and against the people of West Papua (1963-present). Collectively, the victims of these massacres number in the millions!
No better than Israel
In the end, what is the point of Indonesia condemning Israel? It's time for Indonesia to end its hypocrisy, as its many crimes can no longer be hidden. Regarding West Papua, the UN must take responsibility by forming an investigation team into the slow genocide, ethnocide and ecocide that have occurred in West Papua during the 61 years of Indonesian occupation.
Comments
Post a Comment