Jakarta. Indonesia has slammed Israel for violating Syria’s sovereignty after the latter bombed Damascus.

The Israeli military launched heavy aerial strikes on the Syrian capital on Wednesday. The attacks had hit the defense ministry as well as near the presidential palace. Israel has vowed to protect the Druze community, an Arab minority group involved in deadly clashes with the Syrian government forces.

Israel is also home to the Druze group, with many serving in its military. The latest wave of violence immediately sparked reactions worldwide, including from Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

“Indonesia is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Sweida, Syria, which has resulted in many civilian casualties,” the Foreign Ministry wrote on the social platform X.

“Indonesia condemns Israel’s military intervention that has violated Syria’s sovereignty.”

Jakarta called for a permanent ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Druze community. It pledged to support the Syrian government’s efforts to achieve peace throughout the country. Indonesia also pushed for a “peaceful and inclusive dialogue”.

“[A dialogue] that involves all elements of Syrian society, while upholding Syria’s national unity and territorial integrity,” the ministry said.

Syria has begun withdrawing its army from the Druze-majority Sweida following Israeli airstrikes on the capital, which had killed at least three people and left 34 wounded.