Local Indonesian Artists and Activists Protest Israeli War Crimes, Reject the Idea of Recognizing Israel
Artists, activists, and religious representatives in Central Java hold a public solidarity action condemning Israel’s assault on Gaza and reject the idea of recognizing Israel
Indonesia, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds—activists, cultural figures, poets, religious figures, gathered on Sunday (June 1) at the town square of Jepara, Central Java, to voice solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The public demonstration, titled “We Are Not Neutral in the Face of Occupation and Massacres,” was held in response to the ongoing Israeli military assault on Gaza and as a direct rejection of Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s recent statement supporting a two-state solution and the recognition of Israel.
According to coverage by Media ABI, the participants declared their support for Palestine as a nation subjected to systematic colonization and genocide since 1948.
“When the world chooses silence, we choose to speak out. When the Palestinian people are gripped by occupation, we must not remain silent,”
said Muhammad Ali, a member of the organizing committee and representative of ABI Jepara.
Poetry, Performance, and the Memory of Nakba
One segment of the event featured a poetry reading commemorating the Nakba (catastrophe), the 1948 expulsion of more than 750,000 Palestinians following the creation of the state of Israel.
Poets gave vivid portrayals of destroyed homes, desecrated places of worship, burned villages, and families torn apart.
Local writers and artists emphasized that the Nakba is not merely a historical tragedy, but a collective and ongoing trauma for Palestinians to this day.
A theatrical performance was also staged in the public square, portraying scenes of the current genocide in Gaza. Through dramatic movement and spoken word, the performance criticized the international community’s inaction in the face of what the organizers called Zionist atrocities.
Cultural Solidarity and Literary Resistance
The action was organized by several local collectives including the Jepara Literary Studies Group (KSSJ), Jepara Literary Activists (PSJ), Jepara for Palestine, and DPD ABI Jepara. Among the main activities:
The launch of the book Genosida Gaza Palestina, authored by the late Alie Emje in collaboration with Jepara-based poets;
Poetry readings by local writers;
Musical performances by ERD (Eswal Redja Dirana) and collaborators.
The event also served as a tribute to Alie Emje, a poet and outspoken advocate for Palestine, who passed away shortly before the gathering.
“Alie Emje’s struggle does not end here. We will carry his spirit forward through our work and real action,”
said Aminan Bashari, a student and literary activist from Jepara.
Statement of Principles: Firm Rejection of Israeli Recognition
According to Media ABI, although time constraints prevented the official declaration from being read publicly, the statement was later shared with journalists by Muhammad Ali. The key points of the joint declaration include:
A rejection of all forms of occupation and violence, stating that occupation cannot be legitimized, and genocide cannot be justified.
A strong condemnation of the genocide committed by the Zionist regime, which has claimed over 35,000 lives—many of them women and children.
A firm rejection of President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s endorsement of the two-state solution and recognition of Israel, describing it as a betrayal of Indonesia’s historical solidarity with Palestine and a violation of the constitutional mandate.
A call for the Indonesian government to adopt a resolute, uncompromising stance in defending the Palestinian cause.
An urgent demand for the state to uphold the constitutional principle that colonialism must be abolished, as it is contrary to humanitarian and moral justice.
The statement was officially signed by the four organizing groups: KSSJ, PSJ, ABI Jepara, and Jepara for Palestine.
“Actions like this will continue—in universities, narrow alleys, and rural neighborhoods,” said Aminan Bashari.
“We want to raise awareness among the public about what is truly happening in Gaza today.” (PW)
Source: ahlulbaitindonesia.or.id