CNN Indonesia
Tuesday, 28 March 2023 08:32 WIB
Former Vice President JK opened his voice about the fuss over the Israeli national team at the U-20 world cup. CNN Indonesia/ Hesti Rika
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Former Vice President and Chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) Jusuf Kalla (JK) believes that the presence of the Israeli national team (Timnas) in the U-20 World Cup is a momentum for Indonesia to show its active role in fighting for the nation’s rights. Palestine.
“So if Indonesia accepts Israel’s presence at the U-20 World Cup, it will show Indonesia’s active role in fighting for the rights of the Palestinian people, through dialogue for peace between the two parties,” said JK in a written statement, Tuesday (28/3).
JK believes that the U-20 World Cup can be used as a momentum for Indonesia to get to know both parties, especially Israel if it wants to play an active role in upholding peace in the Middle East.
Moreover, he said, Indonesia has so far maintained its attitude of fighting for the interests of the Palestinian nation.
“Through the U-20 World Cup, if it is carried out by involving Israel, it can actually build peace efforts which of course can fight for the interests of the Palestinian people through dialogue or peace,” he said.
JK explained that Indonesia’s position must be strengthened if it wants to serve the interests of the Palestinian people. The trick, he said, is by getting to know both parties in order to push them forward to a fair negotiating table.
For him, this method is believed by several Arab countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which have started to have good relations with Israel.
“So far, only Egypt, Jordan and Turkey have diplomatic relations with Israel,” he said.
Indonesia had previously been appointed as the host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup by FIFA. Lately, there have been many objections from several parties regarding the presence of the Israeli national team, which is one of the contestants in this event.
As a result, FIFA decided to cancel the draw for the U-20 World Cup which was scheduled to take place in Bali on March 31. As a result of this incident, PSSI chairman Erick Thohir will meet with FIFA to lobby regarding Indonesia’s position as host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup.
(rzr/DAL)
