Public Solidarity and National Identity: The Role of Palestinian Issues in Indonesian Civic Movements

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Palestinian solidarity in shaping Indonesian national identity and civic movements. As an emerging global power, Indonesia has long used its solidarity with Palestine as a key feature of its foreign policy and national identity. This study explores how Indonesian society mobilizes around Palestinian issues, integrating historical, political, and cultural contexts. By employing a qualitative analysis of civil society organizations, grassroots movements, and religious groups, the paper reveals that solidarity with Palestine is deeply ingrained in the national psyche, driven by shared anti-colonial sentiments and Islamic values. Public demonstrations, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic advocacy are the primary mechanisms through which solidarity is expressed. The research also discusses how the Palestinian cause intersects with issues of national pride, global justice, and Indonesia's role as a leader in the Muslim world. This study highlights how civic movements in Indonesia go beyond charity work and evolve into more politically significant activism, reflecting broader trends of global civil society engagement.