Nearly one year after US President Donald Trump confirmed the US would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison followed suit by suggesting that Australia plans to make the same risky move. Morrison said Australia is considering to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move its embassy to the holy city.

Morrison’s comments prompted concern and criticism, especially from Arab countries and other countries with big Muslim populations, including Indonesia. Various ambassadors said Australia’s plans could disturb the peace process, while they also warned that relations between Australia and Arab countries (or Islamic countries) could be negatively affected by the move.

A total of 13 ambassadors held a meeting in Canberra on Tuesday (16/10) where they agreed to send a letter to the Australian foreign minister to express their worries and concern about Morrison’s statement.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Indonesia strongly opposes the move. After meeting visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, Marsudi was quoted saying “Indonesia encourages Australia and other nations to continue to support the peace process and not conduct any actions that could undermine the peace process and global security.”