Ending Indonesia's hypocrisy

Indonesia likes to present itself as a human rights defender in international forums.

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. Retno, just like all other Indonesian politicians, take pride in the preamble of Indonesia 's 1945 Constitution which affirms that "freedom is the right of all nations". However, as critical thinkers, it is worth asking, what is a nation in Indonesian terms?

All from Islamic perspective

Indonesia has a long track record of solidarity with Muslim nations struggling for independence, such as Palestine, Algeria, Bosnia, but not at all with non-Muslim nations such as Tibet, Kanaky, and many others. Based on this, it can be assumed that for Indonesia, a nation worthy of independence is a Muslim-majority nation oppressed by non-Muslim forces.

Now, let's think back to what Retno said earlier: Yes, we cannot just “sit back and relax while genocide continues to take place in Gaza”, but let us not forget the horrific crimes committed by the Indonesian regime against its own civilians labeled as communists (1965-1967), against the people of Timor Leste (1975-1999), and against the people of West Papua (1963-present). Collectively, the victims of these massacres numbered not just thousands, but millions!

No better than Israel

In fact, Jakarta's authoritarian regime is no less ruthless than that of Zionist Israel. Then what is the point of Indonesia condemning Israel? Isn't this like paying attention to the “ant across the sea”, while ignoring the “elephant in the room”. Indonesia must end its hypocrisy, since its many crimes can no longer be hidden.