Indonesia denies normalization with Israel for OECD membership

By Aynur Seyma Asan

Indonesia has denied claims that it will normalize relations with Israel for membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) membership, national news agency Antara reported on Friday.

"I emphasize that until now, we have no plan to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, particularly as Israel has yet to cease its atrocities in Gaza until now," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lalu Muhamad Iqbal.

He said Indonesia's stance will not change, and the country will continue to support Palestinian independence and the resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict under the framework of the two-state solution.

"Indonesia will always be consistent and will be on the front line to defend the rights of the Palestinian nation," the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Regarding Indonesia's accession to the OECD, Iqbal said Jakarta needs to undergo a long process being accepted in the organization. A roadmap on Indonesia's accession will be adopted next May, he added.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth earlier reported that Indonesia had agreed to normalize its ties with Israel after three months of secret talks.

Indonesia has strongly condemned Israel’s war in Gaza and backed South Africa’s litigation against Jerusalem at the International Court of Justice.

In February, the OECD said it would begin accession talks with Indonesia following a decision by its ruling council.

The OECD council, which consists of all member countries, including Israel, sets the terms for accession. Unanimous agreement from all members is necessary to accept new members.