16-7-2024 (JAKARTA) In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, five members of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), have found themselves at the centre of a heated debate after visiting Israel and meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The visit, which occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters in Indonesia, a country that has no diplomatic relations with Israel and has been vocal in its support for Palestinian independence.
The controversy came to light when Zainul Maarif, an NU scholar and philosophy lecturer at the University of Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia (Unusia), shared a group photograph with President Herzog on his Instagram account on 7 July. The post quickly generated a wave of condemnation, forcing Mr Maarif to disable comments on his account.
The Indonesian government has swiftly distanced itself from the visit. Foreign Ministry spokesman Roy Soemirat stated, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not in a position to comment on the visit, which is not related in any way to the official position of the Indonesian government.”
The delegation, comprising Mr Maarif, Munawir Aziz, Nurul Bahrul Ulum, Syukron Makmun, and Izza Annafisah Dania, reportedly discussed the Hamas-Israel conflict and potential relations between Indonesia and Israel during their meeting with President Herzog. Mr Maarif defended the visit, stating, “I am not a demonstrator, but a religious philosopher. Instead of demonstrating on the streets and boycotting, I prefer to discuss and express ideas.”
However, the visit has been met with widespread disapproval within Indonesia. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), a body of the country’s top Islamic scholars, expressed deep regret over the visit, particularly given the high death toll of Palestinians in the ongoing conflict.
NU leadership has also distanced itself from the actions of its members. NU chairman Syafi Alielha stated, “We don’t know what the purpose is and who sponsored it. This is a regrettable act.” The organisation is now seeking clarification and may consider disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from NU positions, for the five individuals involved.
The controversy has reignited debates about Indonesia’s stance on Israel and the Palestinian cause. Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, has long been a vocal supporter of Palestinian independence and has consistently condemned Israeli actions in Gaza.
