One Frequency Search for Peaceful Solutions
Norway and Indonesia have the same principles regarding the Palestine-Israel issue. This is a strong basis for establishing cooperation.
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Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre met during the COP 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in December 2023.
Norway and Indonesia have the same attitudes, values and principles in pursuing a peace process between Israel and Palestine. Jakarta-Oslo also have harmonious views in seeking a solution to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Even though they are on different continents, both countries are consistently guided by international law in resolving conflicts.
This was expressed by Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik when he visited the residence of Norwegian Ambassador Rut Kruger Giverin in Jakarta on Monday (29/4/2024). Kravik acknowledged the strong relationship between the two countries.
Also read: Norway-Indonesia Fights for Two-State Solution
Indonesia and Norway both are strong democratic countries and adhere to the principles of international law and multilateralism. Strong commitment to the United Nations and multilateral institutions also serves as a basis for maintaining bilateral relations.
We also want to strengthen trade relations. Many Norwegian business people are interested in Indonesia.
Norway is actually in a dilemma regarding Palestine. On the one hand, Norway has close relations with Western countries in Europe and the United States.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide at a meeting on Palestine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on April 29, 2024.
On the other hand, Norway needs to approach Indonesia and other countries related to the Palestine-Israel issue. This is because Norway has its own views on the issue of Palestine. Norway consistently adheres to international law.
Norway firmly states that Israel's attack on Gaza violates international law and constitutes a war crime. Norway is also concerned with Israel's response, which is considered to have gone too far.
We cannot take action or solve any problem without input and collaboration with Indonesia.
The same stance is also taken towards the issue of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The international community is urged to prioritize access to better humanitarian aid and protection for civilians.
Also read: Indonesia-Norway Reestablish Partnership in the Field of Climate Change
Indonesia is Norway's strongest partner in issues like this. Kravik admitted that Indonesia has become a global leader in addressing the Gaza issue. The principles upheld are clear, namely a two-state solution for resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, protecting civilians, and providing more humanitarian assistance.
Interview with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik with the daily Kompas regarding bilateral issues between Indonesia and Norway in Jakarta, Monday (29/4/2024).
In the issue of the climate crisis, Norway acknowledges that Indonesia is among the hardest-working and successful countries in reducing emissions and combating deforestation. "We have a strong partnership in the issue of green economy. Many collaborations are currently underway. We also want to strengthen trade relations. Many Norwegian business actors are interested in Indonesia," said Kravik.
Partnerships grow
Norway wants a growing partnership between the two countries. The world is changing rapidly. Currently, seven out of eight billion people live in the western region.
Realizing this, Norway is trying to establish cooperation between regions and between organizations. No longer just focusing on countries in the West.
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Norwegian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rut Kruger Giverin; Interim Chief of ACCM Save The Children, Tata Sudrajat; and Director of the Climate Crisis and Circular Economy Program at Save The Children, Ari Mochamad, spoke at the National Multi-Sector Seminar and Climate Generation Action Kick-Off at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture on Thursday (25/4/2024).
Norway's relationship with the United States and Europe is very strong. Norway is also part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other security alliances.
Norway also does not want to boycott or impose sanctions on Israel. The reason is that Norway prioritizes the dialogue process between Israel and Palestine. Without dialogue, peace will not be achieved.
Also read: Indonesia Prevents the Release of 70 Million Tons of Carbon Emissions through REDD+
Therefore, Norway needs a strong relationship and cooperation with Indonesia. "We cannot take any action or solve any problems without input and collaboration with Indonesia," said Kravik.
Norway has its own views and principles. International issues are approached neutrally, without bias, and seeking to find the appropriate solution for all parties.
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Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar (center) with Norwegian Ambassador to Indonesia Rut Kruger Giverin (second from left) at the Indonesia FoLU Net Sink 2030 workshop in Jakarta on Thursday (22/2/2024).
Kravik sees Norway as a bridge between the North and South worlds. Norway desires partnerships with any country that is willing to uphold international law.
"The relationship between Norway and Indonesia could serve as an inspiration for other countries. Our partnership is crucial for the progress of the Palestinian state. We are on the right track. Hopefully, we can achieve a two-state solution soon," said Kravik.
Environmental cooperation
The Norwegian Embassy in Indonesia noted that diplomatic relations between Norway and Indonesia began in January 1950. Since 1971, Norway has opened its embassy in Jakarta.
The current collaboration between the two countries includes areas such as forests and climate change, sustainable marine management, and renewable energy. Jakarta-Oslo also cooperates in the fields of trade, human rights, and ASEAN issues.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik during an interview with the daily Kompas regarding the bilateral issue of Indonesia-Norway in Jakarta, Monday (29/4/2023).
In September 2022, Norway-Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding marking the start of a new bilateral partnership in the field of climate and forests. Indonesia is a global leader in reducing deforestation.
In recognition of Indonesia's impressive achievements, Norway has since 2022 contributed 156 million US dollars to support Indonesia's ongoing efforts to achieve a net sink in the forestry and other land use sectors by 2030.
Also read: Indonesia-Norway partnership in reducing emissions is an example for the world
This climate and forest partnership involves a results-based model. This means that Norway provides a results-based contribution to reducing emissions resulting from deforestation reported every year in Indonesia.
For the field of renewable energy, there are several world-renowned Norwegian companies that provide high-tech solutions globally. Many Norwegian private companies are interested in investing in renewable energy projects in Indonesia.
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Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya Bakar (center) plants mangroves together with Minister of Climate and Environment of Norway, Espen Barth Eide (left) in Balikpapan Bay, specifically in Sotek Village, Penajam Sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan on Sunday (11/9/2022).
Norway is also a member of the International Partner Group of the Fair Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). JETP was launched in November 2022. It is an agreement to mobilize an initial funding of 20 billion US dollars from the government and private sector to carry out decarbonization in Indonesia's energy sector.
Norway has committed to investing up to 250 million US dollars in Norfund over the next few years. Bilateral cooperation is also opened up for marine issues. The ocean is a natural starting point for the relationship between the two countries. "We have discussed many important issues, especially those related to productive and efficient bilateral relations. We hope that this good relationship can continue," said Kravik.
