Israel and Indonesia have been engaged in discussions over the past three months to normalize relations, according to two Israeli officials. The establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel is a prerequisite for Indonesia's bid to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Membership in the OECD requires new entrants to have diplomatic relations with all existing members, with the ability for existing members to veto applications from aspiring countries.
Israel is already a member of the OECD, adding significance to the potential normalization of relations with Indonesia. However, given Indonesia's status as the country with the largest Muslim population globally, the process of establishing diplomatic ties could be lengthy and complex.
Efforts to reach the Indonesian Foreign Ministry for comment on the matter are ongoing. Reports of the discussions between Israel and Indonesia were initially disclosed by Israel's Ynet news outlet. A senior aide to President Joko Widodo previously refuted claims that Indonesia was planning to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, as reported by The Jakarta Post.
In a recent development, Israel permitted an Indonesian Air Force jet to traverse its airspace for participation in a significant international aid drop to Gaza. The operation involved nine countries and 14 aircraft, showcasing a collaborative effort despite the ongoing diplomatic discussions between Israel and Indonesia.
