"There is a pressing need for the international community to take a collective stance on this issue," the minister emphasized in her public lecture themed "Indonesia's Diplomacy: Challenges and Opportunities" at the University of Indonesia here, Wednesday.
Indonesia will remain steadfast in its efforts to garner support for Palestine's incomplete struggle, Marsudi affirmed, adding that Indonesia will preside over the United Nations Security Council.
"I will preside over the UN Security Council, and peace should be bolstered," the minister stated while addressing members of the teaching staff and students of Indonesia's top research university.
In a bid to promote global peace and stability, bilateral meetings were organized with several nations, such as France and Germany.
Jakarta's political stand on the Palestinian issue has remained the same since the administration of President Soekarno.
In 1962, Indonesia's founding father had made a statement that eventually served as a beacon to guide the Indonesian foreign policy on Palestinian issues.
"As long as the freedom of Palestine has yet to be returned to the Palestinians, then it will forever be for Indonesia to stand in defiance against the occupation by Israel," President Soekarno stated.
Marsudi also remarked that Indonesia's delegation at the UN Security Council will have its hands full in presiding over debates covering the issue of nuclear weapons.
In her public lecture, the minister further put the spotlight on challenges for Indonesia's diplomacy that follows a free and active foreign policy in the midst of uncertainties and evolving dynamics that call for a mature, balanced response.
The international community has pointed to the fact that despite multilateralism being prioritized, it did tend to weaken whereas protectionism gained in strength, she pointed out.
Translator: Feru Lantara, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
