Friski Riana, Ahmad Faiz, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) board members had called for the Indonesian government to assert its support for Palestine following reports of the Israeli government allegedly attempting to open diplomatic relations with Indonesia.

"The MUI board members strongly encourage the government to hold on to the constitution's mandate and proactively voice support for Palestine's struggle for independence," said MUI chairperson Miftachul Akhyar in a written statement on Thursday, December 24.

Miftachul believes there are a number of state officials who continue to realize the establishment of a diplomatic relationship with Israel with a tradeoff in the economic sector.

This comes after Bloomberg reported that the US International Development Finance Corp CEO Adam Boehler offered aid up to US$2 billion (RP28.5 trillion) for Indonesia to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

President Jokowi, in a statement on December 17, stated that Indonesia will not take steps to 'normalise' bilateral relations with Israel until a permanent and comprehensive peace treaty is reached between the two middle eastern countries.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1417359/mui-urges-govt-to-proactively-voice-support-for-palestin