Jakarta – The Israel-Palestine conflict has become one of the most complex and prolonged global issues. The sixth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (75), commonly known as SBY, believes that the two-state solution is the best option that can be accepted by both parties, even though there are still significant challenges.
SBY stated that, in general, there are two schools of thought in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict. First, the two-state solution, which is two sovereign countries living side by side, Israel and Palestine. Second, the one-state solution, which means only one country, either Israel or Palestine.
“Although the challenge is not small because there are those who do not agree with the two-state solution, in my opinion, that is what can be accepted by both parties, Israel and Palestine,” said SBY.
SBY acknowledged that the implementation of the two-state solution is not easy. In Israel, the dominant hardline groups reject the existence of a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, in Palestine, groups like Hamas also oppose the two-state solution and want only one country, which is Palestine.
“They are dominant.” They are tough. Therefore, the realization or non-realization of that (two-state solution) depends on Israel and Palestine,” emphasized SBY, while stressing that internal consensus on both sides is very important.
“Is it possible to reach a consensus so that this conflict and war do not drag on?” There are two sovereign countries, side by side in a peaceful relationship.
In addition to the internal factors of Israel and Palestine, SBY highlighted the role of other countries, especially those with influence in the Middle East region.
“Ideally, the close friends of Palestine or those close to Israel, let’s say, could make peace to move towards that,” said SBY, who served as the President of the Republic of Indonesia from 2004 to 2014.
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