Protests in Support of Palestine Gain Momentum in Indonesia
Activists gathered outside the United States Embassy in Jakarta on Friday (3/21/2025) to show their support for the Palestinian cause. The campaign to boycott products affiliated with Israel is gaining traction in Indonesia, spearheaded by Giri Ahmad Taufik, the Co-Founder of Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Indonesia. In a recent interview, Taufik emphasized the importance of intensifying these efforts as a tangible show of solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Boycotting Israeli-affiliated products is not a new strategy, but the focus has now shifted towards imposing sanctions on individuals and entities that support Israel. One concrete step advocated by BDS Indonesia is a policy targeting foreign nationals holding dual citizenship and having connections with the Israeli military, known as the IDF. Taufik urged the Indonesian government to scrutinize visa applications from such individuals, particularly those with dual citizenship who are actively serving in the IDF.
“Visa processing could involve a questionnaire regarding Israeli citizenship and inquiries about their involvement in the IDF, including deployment to conflict zones,” Taufik explained. He highlighted that many Israeli citizens enter Indonesia using their secondary nationality.
Similar measures have been implemented in other countries like the UK and Australia, where IDF members returning from Israel are subject to thorough investigations. Taufik believes that Indonesia could adopt a similar approach. He stressed the importance of government action through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Immigration and Population.
BDS Indonesia has already presented these recommendations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Parliament. Additionally, the organization is calling for stronger diplomatic pressure on Israel, particularly in international forums. Taufik emphasized the need for Indonesia to lead the charge in pushing for Israel’s expulsion from the United Nations and other international organizations.
Challenges and Future Prospects for BDS Indonesia
Despite facing challenges and pushback from various quarters, BDS Indonesia remains committed to its cause. The organization continues to advocate for concrete actions against Israeli-affiliated products and individuals, aiming to raise awareness and garner support for the Palestinian people’s rights.
According to Taufik, one of the major obstacles is the lack of widespread understanding about the impact of supporting Israeli products. Many consumers are unaware of the connection between their purchases and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Educating the public about these issues is crucial for the success of the boycott campaign.
Looking ahead, BDS Indonesia plans to expand its outreach efforts and engage with a broader range of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and civil society organizations. By fostering partnerships and building alliances, the organization hopes to strengthen its advocacy and achieve meaningful change in Indonesia’s stance towards Israel.
Expert Insights on the Global BDS Movement
Dr. Sarah Lopez, a renowned scholar specializing in international relations and conflict resolution, provided insights into the broader implications of BDS movements worldwide. She emphasized that such campaigns are not only about economic pressure but also serve as powerful tools for raising awareness and mobilizing public opinion.
“The BDS movement has gained significant momentum in recent years, emerging as a key strategy in the fight against human rights violations and occupation. By targeting companies and institutions complicit in oppressive regimes, activists are challenging the status quo and demanding accountability on a global scale,” Dr. Lopez explained.
As the global BDS movement continues to evolve, Dr. Lopez highlighted the importance of solidarity among different grassroots organizations and social movements. By sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices, activists can amplify their impact and drive meaningful change in support of justice and equality.
In conclusion, the efforts of BDS Indonesia reflect a growing trend of solidarity and activism in the fight for Palestinian rights. By advocating for concrete sanctions against Israeli-affiliated products and individuals, the organization is paving the way for a more just and equitable future for all.
