Iran: The Beacon of Resistance and Steadfast Support for Palestine, Celebrated by Indonesians

In recent interviews conducted with a Tehran Times reporter, several Indonesian citizens highlighted Iran’s historical, cultural, and political significance, describing the country as a “symbol of resistance” and a steadfast supporter of Palestine. The discussions revealed a profound respect for Iran and emphasized the global humanitarian responsibility to support Palestine across various platforms.

One of the interviewees, Kiki, an Indonesian citizen who has traveled extensively across the Middle East, expressed her desire to visit Iran. “My name is Kiki, from Indonesia. I have traveled to the Middle East, including cities like Dubai, but I have not yet been to Iran. I hope to visit one day and experience the country’s people and culture firsthand,” she remarked. Kiki shared her admiration for Iran’s ancient history, noting, “What I know and love most about Iran comes from its Persian stories and ancient history. I also remember that in the 1980s, Iran faced war. Yet despite immense hardships, the people stood strong and resilient. They resisted alone but with determination and strength.”

Kiki further elaborated on Iran’s religious composition, stating, “I know that about 90 percent of Iranians are Shiite. We are aware of this and respect it.” She emphasized the spiritual connection that Indonesians feel towards Iran, saying, “This shows that despite cultural differences and geographical distances, Indonesians feel a spiritual connection with Iran.”

One of the most notable characteristics of Iran, according to Kiki, is its unwavering support for Palestine: “We are very grateful that Iran has always stood with the Palestinians. Indonesians also support Palestine. This is not just a religious matter; freedom is a universal right. We oppose all violence and do not favor war. Our desire is for peace.” She expressed her concern for Palestinian children, stating, “When Palestinian children live under hardship and war, it pains our hearts. Our hope is that Palestine will be recognized as a legitimate and independent country. This is not a religious issue—it is a humanitarian and global one.” Kiki concluded her remarks by expressing her hope to visit Iran and witness the country’s resilience firsthand.

Another Indonesian citizen, Maya, emphasized the importance of global support for Palestine, stating, “Many things are happening around the world, but when it comes to Palestine, we need to do much more. We pray for them, but that is not enough; practical support is necessary.” She highlighted the role of cultural and media activities in raising awareness about the situation in Palestine, saying, “We must speak about Palestine across all platforms. Whether through media, cultural events, concerts, or public programs; people need to understand the real situation in Palestine and the suffering endured there.” Maya stressed that addressing the issue of Palestine should extend beyond political discussions. “Every cultural, social, or media initiative can serve as an opportunity to highlight the plight of Palestinians. Greater global attention will increase pressure on the Israeli regime,” she remarked.

Voices from Indonesia echoed a strong solidarity with Palestine, with citizens Dinda and Wasila Putri sharing their heartfelt concerns over the ongoing tragedy. “We are deeply saddened by the situation in Palestine and hope the war will end soon,” they stated. They expressed concern for the younger generation, noting, “Many children have lost hope, with countless students forced to abandon their education. Dropping out of school means losing their future. We want Palestinian children to live a normal life, just like every other child in the world.” Dinda and Wasila emphasized that the voices of ordinary people worldwide should not be ignored and that solidarity with Palestine must continue until peace is achieved.

One citizen openly criticized Israel, labeling its existence as “illegitimate.” He asserted, “From our perspective, Israel is the worst country. Its existence is not based on legitimacy but on occupation. They came from outside and seized Palestinian land.” He further highlighted the impact of Israeli policies, stating, “The Israeli regime has not only taken Palestinian land but has also disrupted daily life through violence and oppression. What matters is the steadfastness of countries like Iran in opposing this injustice and raising global awareness.”

The testimonies from these Indonesians reflect their country’s deep solidarity with Palestine. They repeatedly praised Iran’s role, emphasizing that Tehran’s support strengthens Iran’s position among Muslim nations and inspires freedom-loving people worldwide. They believe the voice of resistance must be amplified across all arenas—media, cultural initiatives, and public platforms. “Palestine is not merely a religious matter; it is a human and global responsibility that every individual, anywhere in the world, can help,” they explained.

These narratives illustrate that, in the eyes of Indonesians, Iran is not just a country with a rich history and culture. It is also a symbol of resistance and justice. Iran’s support for Palestine and its unwavering stance against Western hegemony and Israeli policies have earned it a prominent place among Muslim and freedom-seeking nations. According to these citizens, Iran’s resilience in the face of sanctions and pressures serves as a model for other nations, demonstrating how to resist injustice. This steadfastness provides hope for Palestinians and inspires countries far from the Middle East to recognize and respond to their plight.

In conclusion, these interviews demonstrate that Iran’s clear and consistent support for Palestine has earned it a distinguished place in the hearts of Muslim nations. For Indonesian citizens, Iran is not just a distant Middle Eastern country; it is a symbol of courage, resistance, and justice—a symbol inspiring a global movement for freedom and peace.