Post by : Raman

Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, visited Qatar on Friday, September 12, to show his country’s support after a recent Israeli airstrike targeted leaders of Hamas in Doha. The attack, which occurred earlier this week, killed five Hamas members, including the son of Hamas' top negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya. Indonesia’s move demonstrates strong solidarity with Qatar amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

During his visit, President Prabowo met Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Lusail Palace. The meeting highlighted the close relationship between Indonesia and Qatar. Prabowo expressed Indonesia’s full support for Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while emphasizing solidarity with the Qatari people. According to Indonesian officials, the visit was arranged promptly in response to the airstrike on Doha.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, who accompanied the president, explained that the official visit aimed to show Indonesia’s support for Qatar during a time of escalating regional tensions. The secretary said that the strike by Israel violated international law and could risk escalating the conflict further in the Middle East.

President Prabowo’s visit also followed a phone call with the Qatari Emir on Wednesday. During that call, Prabowo asked about Qatar’s condition after the airstrike and reassured the Emir of Indonesia’s support. The Emir welcomed the visit, noting that it reflected the strong and growing relations between the two nations.

Indonesia’s action is part of a broader effort by countries in the region and beyond to defend international law and protect diplomatic sovereignty. The airstrike in Doha was particularly concerning because it targeted a city acting as a mediator in ongoing Middle East peace efforts. Qatar has been facilitating negotiations between conflicting parties, including Hamas and Israel, in an attempt to reduce violence in Gaza.

The Israeli strike on Tuesday hit a residential compound in Doha, where Hamas leaders were staying. Five members of Hamas were killed, along with a Qatari security official. The victims were reportedly discussing a new peace proposal from the United States, aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza. Since October 2023, the conflict in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement of civilians.

By sending President Prabowo to Qatar, Indonesia made a clear diplomatic statement. The country not only reaffirmed its support for Qatar’s sovereignty but also emphasized the need for regional stability and respect for international law. Indonesia’s position shows that diplomatic solutions, peace talks, and respect for national territories are vital to prevent further escalation in conflict-prone areas.

Analysts say that this visit could help strengthen international solidarity in response to attacks that threaten peace efforts. Indonesia is one of the largest Muslim-majority countries in the world, and its strong stance sends a clear message to the international community: aggression against countries facilitating peace negotiations will not go unnoticed.

The visit also underscores the importance of regional cooperation in times of crisis. Qatar has been active in mediating conflicts, and support from countries like Indonesia can provide political reassurance, security, and legitimacy for Qatar’s peace efforts. Such solidarity is essential for maintaining dialogue and negotiation channels during volatile periods in the Middle East.

President Prabowo’s visit highlights Indonesia’s commitment to international law and the protection of sovereign nations. By expressing solidarity with Qatar, Indonesia reinforces its role as a responsible and influential actor in global diplomacy. Countries that act as mediators or provide neutral grounds for peace talks must be protected to ensure that negotiations continue safely and effectively.

The airstrike in Doha is a serious reminder of how fragile peace negotiations can be in the region. Attacks like this not only result in tragic loss of life but also risk derailing months of diplomatic work. The killing of negotiators could slow down talks aimed at ending the violence in Gaza and could make future mediation efforts more challenging.

For Qatar, the strike was a direct violation of its sovereignty. The Emir’s reception of President Prabowo and the reaffirmation of Indonesia’s support signals Qatar’s reliance on international backing to protect its territory and continue its mediation work. It also sends a strong message to the global community that Qatar’s role in peace processes must be respected.

Indonesia’s position is also important for regional stability. By standing with Qatar, Indonesia is encouraging other nations to uphold international law and support diplomatic efforts aimed at peace. The visit reflects a growing trend in which countries actively support mediation, condemn aggression, and promote dialogue as the only sustainable path to resolving conflicts.

This event highlights the human and political cost of war. Beyond the immediate loss of life, such attacks create fear, disrupt diplomatic initiatives, and endanger civilians and negotiators. Countries like Indonesia and Qatar play a crucial role in reducing violence, protecting human life, and fostering peaceful solutions.

In conclusion, President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Qatar demonstrates Indonesia’s strong solidarity with Qatar following the Israeli airstrike on Hamas leaders. The visit sends a message about the importance of sovereignty, international law, and diplomatic mediation. As the Middle East faces escalating tensions, actions like Indonesia’s reaffirm the need for cooperation, dialogue, and protection of those working to bring peace to conflict zones.

The international community, regional governments, and mediators must continue to work together to ensure that violence does not undermine peace efforts. Indonesia’s decisive support for Qatar reflects a commitment to justice, stability, and the protection of civilian and diplomatic life. By standing with Qatar, Indonesia reinforces the principle that peace must be safeguarded and that attacks on negotiators and sovereign nations will be met with solidarity and firm response.

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