PRESS RELEASE BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA ON THE LATEST SITUATION IN GAZA, 29-12-2008
 PRESS RELEASE BY
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
(UNOFFICIAL ENGLISH TRANSLATION)
ON
THE LATEST SITUATION IN GAZA
PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE,
 DECEMBER 29th 2008
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Greetings to all,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Please allow me to convey to you, all Indonesian people, my concern over this matter. On one hand, the latest situation in Gaza is increasingly alarming and has not shown any signs from Israel to stop its brutal acts. On the other hand, we have seen through various media that most of the attacks were launched from the air and have claimed many lives and big material losses, including civilians, women and children.
Several hours after the attacks, the Indonesian Government expressed its strong condemnation statement. I instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to immediately issue the statement. Right now, I hereby officially declare this statement.
The fact remains that those offensive acts have not come to an end yet. This morning, I communicated with the Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Marty Natalegawa, who is also our representative in the UN Security Council to discuss this matter. As of now, Indonesia is still a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. He reported to me the steps that the UN Security Council has taken to end the Israeli attacks, to restore the situation, and to finally resume the peace talk between Israel and Palestine.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Indonesian Government is of the opinion that there should be real steps and actions in resolving the conflicts. The steps and actions must be firm and binding so that Israel has no other choice but abide by them. It is the same case as Indonesia did during the Lebanon War. A series of big-scale attacks launched by Israel for several days continued and showed no signs of letting up. Indonesia urged the UN Security Council to take more appropriate actions. Furthermore, we gave our contribution by writing a letter to the then UN Secretary General and consulting with the UN Security Council. I suggested holding a meeting among leaders of Islamic Organization Conference. Thank God, the meeting was successfully held in Kuala Lumpur. Afterwards, for the first time, Indonesia suggested having more Peace Keeping Forces deployed in Lebanon. Indonesia’s willingness to deploy a big number of its troops to Lebanon was part of Indonesia’s participation in the peacekeeping process along the border of Israel and Lebanon. What we did in by then have now become a part of solution that we currently maintain in our contribution in the peacekeeping process in Lebanon. As to what is currently happening, Indonesia considers that the similar steps must be taken.
Today, I signed a letter sent to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and to the President of the UN Security Council which mainly contain condemnation statements towards Israeli violent acts that we deem to be unproportional and inhumanized and to have claimed many lives and material losses. I also wrote on the letter that the world community particularly the United Nations and the UN Security Council must take fast and appropriate steps. I do know that that the UN has held an informal talk and issued a statement a written statement to the President of the UN Security Council to ask for the termination of the attacks.
Indonesia entertains the idea that the UN Security Council must soon hold a formal meeting to issue a resolution to urge Israel to stop its acts. Later on, the two parties must resume the peace talk as it once successfully brought ceasefire for almost half a year and peace and order during the time. Indonesia also urges the international community to give humanitarian aids as the condition in Gaza is getting worse. Hundreds of people are now left injured. Humanitarian aids are urgently needed there. Indonesia is going to donate $ US 1 Million aside from medicine aids that are to be sent there. Over and above, the United Nations, the UN Security Council and the international community must give their sincere care and attention and real contribution to Gaza for many lives and valuable material properties are now at stake.
As we are about to enter the Islamic New Year, the 1st of Muharram, and God willing within three days we are going to enter New Year, the 1st of January 2009, we must keep praying and hoping that our world can be a safer place to live in. Unfortunately, the attacks to Gaza have ironically cast a dark cloud over our prayers and hopes. Consequently, as amended in our 1945 Constitution, Indonesia will play a role in this matter. In my letter to the UN Secretary General and the President of UN Security Council, I convey that Indonesia stands ready to give any contribution in resolving conflicts in Palestine, including in the efforts to stop the Israeli attacks for the sake of the security recovery in the region.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Obviously, in addressing this matter, it is not enough to speak only as other countries have done, but it must be translated into real actions at the level of the UN Security Council and to give more attention to this matter. Through our Ambassador in the United Nation, Indonesia once again expresses its concern over the matter and suggests holding a meeting in order to find a solution to the matter. Libya also expresses the similar thought.
That is that I can say. We will continue monitoring the latest situation in Gaza and Indonesia will make every effort, through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation, to restore peace and order in Gaza.
Thank you
Wassalamualaikum Wr.Wb.