Thousands of Yogyakarta Residents Take to the Streets, Demanding Implementation of Ceasefire in Palestine

(Yogyakarta, INDONESIA) - Thousands of Yogyakarta residents held a solidarity action for Palestine in the Zero Kilometer area, Yogyakarta City, on Saturday (1/2/25). The action, initiated by the Forum Ukhuwah Islamiyah (FUI) DIY, was attended by various humanitarian institutions, student and youth organizations, and Islamic boarding schools in Yogyakarta.

During the action, the crowd also conducted a long march from the Zero Kilometer point to the Gondomanan intersection and Ibu Ruswo Street, before returning to the gathering point. Along the way, orations of support for Palestine were continuously delivered by speakers who took turns standing on a command vehicle.

Presidium of FUI DIY, HM Syukri Fadholi, stated that the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel showed a victory for the Palestinian people, who had been bombarded for over 15 months. "The Palestinian people have shown their resilience and strength to survive, despite being bombed from all directions," he said.

Moreover, the Palestinian fighters have continued to resist and have caused significant losses to the occupying forces. "However, through this action, we want to invite all layers of society, especially in Yogyakarta, to continue voicing their support for Palestine," he added.

The ceasefire agreement must be continuously monitored to prevent potential cheating and breach of promise by the Israeli side. "As we can see now, with the increasing intensity of Israeli attacks in the West Bank," Syukri said.

Professor of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Chirzin, added that the violence and brutality of the Israeli military against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank must be stopped. He also urged the Indonesian government to be actively involved in maintaining the ceasefire process and promoting the opening of all humanitarian aid access to Gaza.

"We urge the international community to monitor and ensure that Israel complies with all ceasefire agreements. Free Palestine immediately," he concluded. (Raya Sanjiwani)