Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, in her keynote speech, said that Indonesia was making every effort to support the struggle for Palestinian independence. One of the steps taken is to take legal action at the ICJ, either through written or oral statements. Indonesia submitted a written statement in July 2023, while an oral statement will be delivered this February.
"An oral statement will be delivered by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs on February 19, 2024 at the ICJ [International Court of Justice]," said Retno in her speech.
Foreign Minister Retno said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wanted to see the views of discussion participants, consisting of experts and academicians, regarding violations of international law committed by Israel in Palestine. This view is used as a basis for building opinions that show violations of international law by the Zionist state.
"The views and input of international law experts are needed to develop a legal opinion that is comprehensive and in compliance with international law, to show the world the blatant violations of international law committed by Israel against Palestine," she said.
The Foreign Minister said that Indonesia supports the efforts of the UN General Assembly to demand an opinion from the ICJ because international law must be upheld. According to him, more than seventy years of occupation of Palestine by Israel will not erase the Palestinian people's right to independence.
"The Palestinian people's right to self-determination must be respected. The occupation of Palestine by Israel which has been going on for more than 70 years will not erase the Palestinian people's right to independence," she continued.
Retno added that Indonesia's presence at the ICJ would complement Indonesia's various diplomatic steps in supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people. He claimed that Indonesia continued to gather support for Palestine during the three months of the outbreak of the Palestinian and Israeli war. Even the Indonesian president, Joko Widodo, was also said to be leading the Indonesian delegation at the joint conference of the Arab League and the OIC.
"In particular, the joint leaders of the Summit, OIC, and Arab League have asked me and six other OIC Foreign Ministers to carry out an international mission to encourage a ceasefire and peace process," said Retno.
Foreign Minister Retno highlighted the trend of world countries increasingly supporting resolutions related to Palestine. As a result, the UN Security Council succeeded in adopting a humanitarian resolution for Palestine at the end of last year. However, according to him, all this is not enough.
"For Indonesia, a ceasefire is necessary and will be a game changer to resolve the Gaza issue," he emphasized.
Retno also appreciated the presence and contribution of the participants to enrich and sharpen Indonesia's views to be brought to the International Court of Justice. For him, international law is an important element of Indonesia's foreign policy and diplomacy. Retno also reminded the participants that Indonesian diplomacy must continue at all costs until Palestine achieves its independence.
