Antara, Jakarta – Hundreds of people gathered in front of the United States Embassy in the Gambir area of Central Jakarta today to participate in a pro-Palestine rally, Sunday, April 20.
Demonstrators carried various items such as flags, scarves, and accessories bearing Palestinian flag motifs.
The crowd held up posters expressing solidarity with Palestine and condemning acts of genocide. Some of the posters read: "I support Palestine because I am a Human," "Stop Genocide," "Stop Killing Babies," "Relocation Is Not the Solution," "Gaza Is Not Just News," and "Unblock Gaza Now."
They gathered while voicing their chants under the observation of the police. The crowd was positioned about 50 meters from the U.S. Embassy.
Amid the crowd's speeches, the sounds of takbir echoed frequently. "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar," shouted Ilham, an activist speaking from a command vehicle parked in front of the U.S. Embassy.
Ilham stated that today marked the 561st day of Israel's aggression against Palestine, with more than 51,000 people reported killed. He also noted that 116,000 others have been injured in the continued struggle for Palestinian independence, which he believes is drawing closer.
In his speech, Ilham emphasized that Allah's promise of independence for Palestine is nearing fulfillment. He explained that the world no longer views the conflict as merely a religious or tribal issue.
"All of this is recognized as a genocidal act," he said.
He also pointed out that not only Muslims but people of other religions are also striving for the cause today.
According to Ilham, a growing number of global figures, including religious leaders and prominent individuals, have denounced the acts of genocide in Palestine.
"We have gathered here to stand up for Palestine and condemn the actions of Israel and the United States," he stated.
Throughout the rally, dozens of police officers maintained security to ensure the peaceful conduct of the rally.
Prior to this, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani expressed Indonesia's support for Palestine to the Chairman of the Palestinian Parliament, Rawhi Fattouh. They met during a discussion forum of parliament groups from countries that support Palestine, The Group of Parliaments in support of Palestine, in Istanbul, Turkey, on Friday, April 18, 2025.
"Support for Palestine is a moral and historical obligation of the Indonesian nation. Indonesia continues to support the struggle of the Palestinian people, a stance that has remained unchanged since independence," Puan said to Fattouh, as quoted in her statement on Sunday.
She also emphasized that Indonesia's support is carried out not only by its government and citizens but also by the House of Representatives.
"Both in bilateral discussions and international forums, the House continues to voice support for Palestine and urges world nations to strive for peace in Palestine," she added.