JakartaGlobe-Nov 3, 2023
The public calls for a boycott of what are perceived as pro-Israeli businesses have been growing lately amid the worsening conditions in the Gaza Strip, but the government has expressed a reluctance to impose any official economic sanctions. This hesitancy has been seen by experts as a reflection of Jakarta’s lack of trade leverage and its diplomatic tendency to disfavor unilateral coercive measures. While a boycott may hurt Indonesia more, analysts agree that the country may still need to make a stronger diplomatic gesture to push for changes in the war-torn region. Entering its third week, the war between Israeli armed forces and Palestinian militant group Hamas has only worsened, with Tel Aviv continuing its disproportionate attack on civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip and blockade of basic necessities. While calls for a negotiated ceasefire have met with a dead end at the United Nations, grassroots boycotts of Israeli and what are seen as pro-Israeli products have become one of the most widespread methods of non-violent protest against the Middle Eastern war in recent weeks. People across the globe have refused to purchase products from brands that have publicly declared their support for the Israeli state in what is known as the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Movement. The movement, which lists a string of international companies linked to Israel, has gained traction worldwide, at times affecting targeted companies’ share values. Protesters have also gathered in several locations in Jakarta, Palu, Central Sulawesi, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi (and Aceh) in the past week. But the government has largely avoided imposing any official boycotts despite its long-standing support for Palestine. Ssaid Vice President Ma’ruf Amin on Tuesday, “What’s being prioritized at the UN right now is pushing for a ceasefire, so I think that’s [our focus for now].” Read more at: https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2023/11/03/indonesia-unlikely-to-boycott-pro-israel-products.html.
