Indonesia Highlight: Israel, From Holocaust Victims to Genocide Perpetrators

REPUBLICA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta has highlighted a significant shift in global narratives following the events on October 7 and the subsequent Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip. According to Matta, this shift is directly tied to the legitimacy and moral foundation of Israel’s existence on the global stage.  

Speaking at the event Indonesia with Palestine: Ramadan of Victory and Solidarity, organized by the Palestine Friendship and Civilization Studies Foundation (YPSP) in Jakarta on Friday, March 14, 2025, Matta explained that Israel’s historical narrative as a victim of the Holocaust has long served as the moral justification for its existence and the support it receives from Europe and America. This narrative, rooted in the atrocities of World War II, positioned the Jewish diaspora as victims deserving of a homeland, leading to the Zionist movement and the displacement of Palestinians from their land.  

“The events of the last year are not because of military victories but because an old narrative has finally disappeared: the narrative that this nation is a victim of the Holocaust and is now a perpetrator of a massacre. It takes away the moral reason around the world to support Israel,” Anis Matta said.  

Furthermore, the General Chairman of the Gelora Party stated that if the moral principle of one state's existence is lost, the state itself will gradually disappear, including Israel.  

On the other hand, Anis Matta explained that the world is facing a new crisis of extraordinary complexity. He elaborated that the world is searching for a new model that represents the collective aspirations of humanity as a whole. “Included in the functioning of the world's multilateral institutions,” he said.  

For this reason, Anis Matta urged Indonesians, especially Muslims, to prepare for this global transition.  

“We need to strengthen Muslims mentally and narratively to welcome the great transition that is taking place globally and to set Indonesia up as a key player on the global stage in the future. It is important to explain this narrative to the people,” he said.  

Strengthening Indonesia’s Role in a Changing World

Matta emphasized the importance of Indonesia positioning itself as a significant player in the evolving global landscape. He called for a collective effort to strengthen the mental and narrative readiness of Muslims and Indonesians to navigate these changes effectively.  

The event underscored the growing momentum of global solidarity with Palestine and the need for nations like Indonesia to play a proactive role in addressing international crises. As the world undergoes significant transformations, Matta’s remarks highlight the importance of narrative power and moral leadership in shaping the future of global geopolitics.