Jakarta. Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to officially recognize the State of Palestine, calling it a positive step toward the realization of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.

“Indonesia welcomes President Emmanuel Macron’s decision for France to recognize the State of Palestine,” the ministry said via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, @Kemlu_RI.

“Indonesia urges all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to follow France’s path.”

The ministry described the move as a constructive step toward preserving the future of a sovereign and independent Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the two-state solution.

France’s decision marks a significant diplomatic shift and makes it the first G7 country to formally recognize Palestine. Macron announced the move on Thursday, aligning France with more than 140 countries, including China and Russia, that already recognize Palestinian statehood.

Analysts say the French recognition may not have an immediate impact on the ground in Gaza or the West Bank, but it could reshape international discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Macron has positioned the move as a stand for diplomacy in an era increasingly shaped by military action.

“This solution is the only path that can address the legitimate aspirations of both the Israelis and the Palestinians. It must now be brought about as quickly as possible,” Macron wrote in a letter to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions in France, which is home to Europe’s largest Muslim and Jewish populations. While some praised Macron for taking a principled stand, others expressed concern over the potential domestic and international implications. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the move, calling it a “reward for terror” and warning it could create “another Iranian proxy” in the region.

Despite the backlash, France’s recognition strengthens the international push for a two-state solution and increases pressure on other Western powers. France is now the only permanent Western member of the UN Security Council to recognize Palestine, joining China and Russia and leaving the United States and the United Kingdom more isolated on the issue.

Indonesia, a longstanding supporter of Palestinian independence, reiterated its commitment to a peaceful resolution based on international law. Jakarta has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and continues to call for broader recognition of Palestine on the global stage.

Macron is expected to formalize France’s recognition at the United Nations General Assembly in September, raising speculation over whether other G7 or European countries will follow suit.