Joko Widodo on Israel

Joko Widodo's core position on Israel adhered to Indonesia's long-standing foreign policy principle: refusing to establish formal diplomatic relations until Israel recognizes the State of Palestine based on a two-state solution. This stance is historically rooted in Indonesia’s anti-colonial ethos, which views the establishment of Israel as a continuation of colonialism. Despite this firm public position, the former president reportedly rejected an Israeli proposal for normalization and insisted on Palestinian statehood as a prerequisite, a policy reinforced by strong domestic public sympathy for the Palestinian cause.

Although the official policy remained unchanged throughout his tenure, there was evidence of quiet, non-diplomatic engagement, including trade links, which persisted beneath the surface of official frost. This approach demonstrated a pragmatic desire to balance international engagement with domestic political realities, as any overt normalization without Palestinian progress could risk significant domestic backlash. Furthermore, the former president's administration faced public pressure, exemplified by the successful campaign to strip Indonesia of hosting the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup to prevent Israeli team participation.