Jakarta. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said Friday that Indonesia would not let Israeli ships dock in its ports in a move to show solidarity for Palestine.

Jokowi was responding to recent rumors of an Israeli merchant ship planning to arrive in Indonesian ports. According to Jokowi, the archipelagic Indonesia has a firm commitment to not give entry to Israeli ships. 

“Let me make it clear that Indonesian ports will not be used to serve the Israeli interests,” Jokowi said in a recorded press statement.

Rumors of Israeli ships in Indonesia erupted when Erlangga Greschinov, an Indonesian social media influencer known for his pro-Palestine stance, uploaded a letter addressed to the Transportation Ministry early this year.

Greschinov said that the Israeli merchant ship ZIM Trade was scheduled to arrive at four Indonesian docks in Jakarta, Belawan, Semarang, and Surabaya.

Adita Irawati, the ministry’s spokeswoman, then told the press that the government immediately made some checks following Greschinov’s letter. Adita said no Israel-flagged ship had ever entered Indonesia since the conflict escalated. This includes non-Israel-flagged merchant ships that sail between Indonesia and Israel.

Netanyahu’s Statement is Unacceptable
Jokowi also said that it was unacceptable for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reject calls for Palestinian sovereignty.

“I strongly oppose Netanyahu's statement that there is no future in which a two-state solution can take place. This statement is completely unacceptable," Jokowi added.

Indonesia has been pushing for a two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestinian state living alongside Israel.

Jokowi’s statement came not long after Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi attended a UN Security Council debate on the Gaza conflict. Retno earlier this week made headlines for walking out of the room when Israeli diplomat Gilad Erdan delivered his remarks at the council.