Jakarta. The presidential candidates' stance on the Palestine issue will be a focal point in the upcoming presidential debate on Sunday, centered around defense, security, international relations, and geopolitics.

Under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's leadership, Indonesia has consistently shown firm support for the Palestinian cause against Israeli occupation. President Jokowi has not hesitated to use strong language, such as "atrocity," to describe Israel's aggression in Gaza during a meeting with US President Joe Biden on Nov. 13, 2023.

International relations observer from the University of Indonesia, Hikmahanto Juwana, commended President Jokowi's bold stance. "President Jokowi courageously referred to the atrocity or cruelty in Gaza, urging its immediate cessation. Indonesia would be deeply grateful to President Joe Biden if he could stop the violence," he said in a recent interview with Jakarta Globe's sister publication Beritasatu.com.

Indonesia, set to commence its term at the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2024, continues to champion the Palestinian cause. Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi announced that the Palestine issue would be a priority during Indonesia's membership, following the nation's historic win of 186 votes for a seat on the council.

President Jokowi has consistently pushed for global action to address the Gaza conflict, including supporting a UN resolution for a humanitarian truce in October. Indonesia also advocates upgrading Palestine's status from an observer to a full-fledged UN member.

“It is absurd to see a war still taking place in a super modern world that we live in, as well as a clear massacre against civilians, including women and children,” Jokowi said at the International Summit of Religious Authorities (ISORA) in Jakarta in November.

The Palestinian embassy in Jakarta expressed gratitude for Indonesia's unwavering support. Deputy Ambassador Ahmed Metani acknowledged Indonesia's valuable contributions, both politically and financially, in international forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Presidential candidates align with Jokowi's stance on the Palestinian issue. Anies Baswedan, perceived as an opposition figure, praised the government's pro-Palestine actions, emphasizing pride in Indonesia's representation on the world stage.

"We are proud of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; we are proud of Minister Retno, who has represented Indonesia on the world stage and has made us feel that pride," said Anies at a Free Palestine rally in Monas, Central Jakarta, on Nov. 5, 2023.

Likewise, potential presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto said if elected as president, Indonesia will continue to support Palestinian independence under the UN resolution.

"Our policy will not change. We continue to strive for the independence of Palestine," Prabowo said at a press conference on Indonesia's foreign policy on Nov. 13, 2023.

Another potential candidate, Ganjar Pranowo, asserted his firm stance against Israel by rejecting the participation of the Israeli national football team in the U-20 World Cup scheduled to be held in Indonesia in May, an event that was subsequently canceled.