Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) commended the steadfast support of the Indonesian Government for Palestine in dealing with the unceasing conflict with Israeli occupation forces.

"I would like to loudly extend my appreciation to the government, especially the minister of foreign affairs, for the firm stance on what has been committed by Israel toward Palestine," Deputy Chairperson of the MUI Anwar Abbas remarked in Jakarta on Thursday.

He also commended President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for his willingness to embark on visits abroad to gather support for ending the acts of violence in Palestine, including to the United States, to meet with President Joe Biden, who is known to be backing Israel.

"I see nothing wrong with Jokowi's visit to the US. Most importantly, Mr. Jokowi should not be influenced by the United States, as our Constitution firmly advocates the abolition of colonialism in the world," he stated.

Abbas then expressed belief that President Jokowi, as the head of state, would always abide by the Constitution.

Meanwhile, MUI's Deputy for Dawah and Brotherhood Muhammad Cholil Nafis conveyed similar statements, praising the government's tenacious efforts to gather international support for Palestine.

"We, from civil society, are also supporting the efforts by carrying out mass movements in various regions in Indonesia with the aim of echoing the diplomacy of our government toward parties abroad, including Israel," he stated.

Nafis expressed belief that all elements of society in Indonesia, including the Constitution, government, and people, share a common goal, namely supporting the independence of Palestine.

The Indonesian Government has taken a plethora of measures for supporting Palestine, such as by voicing its stance on the raging conflict in Palestine's Gaza at various international forums, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

"The UNSC must be able to prevent acts of violence from recurring in Gaza," Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi remarked at a UNSC meeting in New York, the US, on Wednesday (November 29).

In her speech, Minister Marsudi pushed the council to ensure unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid to all people in the besieged Gaza Strip while emphasizing the need to properly monitor the aid delivery process.

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Translator: Sean M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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