Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently staged a “Walk for Palestine” coinciding with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This event, alongside the broader “Palestine Solidarity Week 2025,” reveals a complex strategic calculation within Jakarta’s foreign policy, one increasingly focused on projecting global influence through a layered approach that blends traditional diplomatic support with demonstrable humanitarian action. This undertaking underscores a shift in Indonesia’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, moving beyond purely rhetorical support towards a strategy of interconnected solidarity, a trend with potentially significant geopolitical ramifications.
The event itself—over 600 participants including Vice Ministers and representatives from foreign embassies—was a carefully orchestrated display of commitment. The Ministry framed the “Walk for Palestine” as fulfilling the mandate of the United Nations General Assembly, a move designed to reinforce Indonesia’s position as a responsible non-aligned state. However, the simultaneous launch of “Diplomat Peduli,” a fundraising initiative for disaster relief in Northern Sumatra, significantly complicates the narrative. This parallel approach, a deliberate blending of international and domestic humanitarian concerns, is a critical element of Indonesia’s strategy.
Historically, Indonesia’s foreign policy has been rooted in a commitment to multilateralism, a legacy of the Sukarno era. Indonesia consistently votes in favor of resolutions condemning Israeli actions at the UN and has long expressed support for Palestinian statehood. Yet, Jakarta’s stance has evolved in recent years, influenced by shifting regional dynamics. China’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific and a perceived weakening of Western alliances have created space for Indonesia to pursue a more independent foreign policy. This shift is evident in Jakarta's attempts to balance support for Palestine with a desire to maintain strong economic ties with Israel, a relationship increasingly facilitated by clandestine diplomatic channels.
“Diplomat Peduli” represents a strategic move designed to bolster Indonesia’s image as a responsible actor on the global stage. According to Dr. Arsyad Raheny, Senior Analyst at the Institute for Strategic Studies and International Politics (ISSI), “The simultaneous deployment of humanitarian assistance, particularly after significant natural disasters, is a calculated attempt to demonstrate Indonesia’s capacity for impactful multilateral action. It’s a demonstrably tangible expression of Indonesia’s foreign policy priorities.” The inclusion of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra – regions historically prone to seismic activity and vulnerable to climate change – highlights Indonesia’s broader commitment to regional stability and its recognition of interconnected global challenges. Data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) indicates that the region has experienced a 30% increase in extreme weather events over the last decade, creating a critical need for Indonesia to project a role as a leading provider of disaster relief.
The motivations behind this dual approach are multi-faceted. Firstly, demonstrating a genuine commitment to humanitarian action – particularly in a region where Indonesia’s reputation as a reliable provider of assistance is at stake – strengthens its credibility within the Islamic world, a key constituency for Jakarta. Secondly, the strategic deployment of disaster relief allows Indonesia to negotiate influence within regional organizations like ASEAN, where access to affected populations and effective response capabilities are highly valued. “Indonesia can use its disaster response role to build leverage in discussions on regional security and governance,” argues Dr. Firman Chandra, a specialist in Indonesian foreign policy at the University of Indonesia. “By being seen as a dependable provider of aid, Indonesia can strengthen its position as a key player in shaping the regional agenda.”
Recent developments further illuminate this trend. Just six months ago, Indonesia dispatched a significant contingent of personnel and supplies to assist communities impacted by flooding in Myanmar. This demonstrated a willingness to intervene in crisis situations, regardless of political sensitivities. Moreover, Indonesia’s increasingly assertive stance on maritime security in the South China Sea, where it has challenged China’s expansive claims, reinforces its commitment to upholding international law and protecting its own strategic interests. These actions, combined with the “Walk for Palestine” and “Diplomat Peduli,” coalesce into a deliberate strategy of projecting Indonesia’s power and influence across multiple domains.
Looking ahead, the short-term impact of this strategy will likely be felt through increased engagement within ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Indonesia’s demonstrated capacity for disaster response and its ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes could lead to expanded roles in peacekeeping operations, conflict resolution, and regional trade agreements. However, the long-term implications are more uncertain. Maintaining a consistent and coherent approach will be crucial. The potential for conflict between Indonesia’s humanitarian goals and its strategic calculations – particularly concerning Israel – remains a significant challenge. Successfully balancing these competing priorities will determine whether Indonesia can truly emerge as a global power capable of wielding influence through both humanitarian action and strategic diplomacy. The coming months will be a key test, observing whether Indonesia’s ability to sustain this "parallel solidarity" – a calculated blend of international and domestic engagement – can withstand the pressures of global geopolitics.