Photo Caption: Indonesian citizens surrounding the United States Embassy in Jakarta, protesting against U.S. assistance to Israel, which is currently engaged in the killing of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. Photo: Muh Akbar/Jaktimes.com
JAKARTA, JAKTIMES.COM – Approximately one million Muslims from Indonesia surrounded the U.S. Embassy on Merdeka Street, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (10/28/2023) as a form of protest against the United States for its support to Israel in its actions against the Palestinian people.
The Peaceful Action of Indonesian Youth Pledge (Aksi Damai Sumpah Pemuda Indonesia) was organized by the Indonesian Coalition for Defending Baitulmaqdis (KIBBM) along with various community leaders and members, as a show of solidarity with Palestine and opposition to Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip population.
As of today, there have been approximately 7,000 casualties in Gaza, with the majority being children and women.
The Secretary-General of the Central Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Buya Amirsyah, stated in his speech to all the participants that Palestine is like our own body.
“In our bodies, the blood of our Palestinian brothers and sisters flows, which is why we cannot stand by and see our brothers and sisters being oppressed, slaughtered, and suppressed by Israel,” he said.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Coalition for Defending Baitulmaqdis (KIBBM), KH. Bachtiar Natsir, revealed that the number of participants in today’s action was approximately one million people. He, affectionately known as UBN, called on young people and participants to continue voicing their support for Palestine through the media.
“Consider how many people are dying today; we must not become killers too. When we see Gaza’s children starving because they aren’t being helped while their parents have died. O young people, we must not cease our struggle. Even though they continue to silence and restrict our voices in the media, let our media remain our weapon for all of us,” UBN explained.
As the Steering Committee for the Action in Defense of Palestine, Kyai Zaitun Rasmin expressed gratitude to all parties, including the Indonesian military and police, as well as all participants who were motivated to come and express support for the freedom of Palestine and opposition to the violence in Palestine.
“We are thankful to God and to everyone involved today, from ordinary citizens to security forces. The cruelty and disrespect by Israel and its allies in Palestine can indeed be opposed here through the battle of opinions and our support. Of course, we are grateful to the Indonesian government for its consistent support of Palestinian independence,” emphasized Ustaz Zaitun.
This Action in Defense of Palestine was intentionally held in front of the U.S. Embassy to demonstrate to America that the Indonesian people continue to support Palestinian independence and support Palestinian fighters in their struggle for freedom. (Muh Akbar/Wan)
