Indonesia ready to recognize Israel in exchange for Palestinian state
Indonesia is prepared to formally recognize the state of Israel and establish diplomatic relations if a two-state solution that guarantees the creation of a fully independent Palestinian state is realized, President Prabowo Subianto said on Wednesday.
“I conveyed Indonesia’s position: we view the two-state solution as the only path to genuine peace,” Prabowo told reporters at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron following a meeting in Jakarta.
“Independence for the Palestinian people is the only way to achieve real peace. But alongside that, I also made clear that we must acknowledge and guarantee Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign state,” the Indonesian president said.
Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinian statehood and does not maintain formal diplomatic ties with Israel.
“We believe Israel’s security and sovereignty must also be respected and protected,” Prabowo continued. “Therefore, Indonesia has conveyed that we are willing to help facilitate the recognition of Palestine by Israel. And we are ready to recognize Israel and establish diplomatic relations.”
Macron, who is visiting Indonesia as part of a broader tour of the Asia-Pacific, welcomed Prabowo’s remarks and reiterated France’s support for a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The French president praised Indonesia’s “principled” approach and noted that such efforts were critical in breaking the deadlock over Middle East peace.
The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine. Macron condemned Russia’s invasion as a blatant breach of international law and expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s consistent calls to respect sovereignty and resolve conflicts through diplomacy.
During Macron’s visit, France and Indonesia signed a series of agreements to deepen defence and economic ties, including joint arms production, military training and cooperation in renewable energy and infrastructure development.
Both sides also committed to accelerating talks on the Indonesia–EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, a long-delayed trade pact between Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the European Union.
