For years, Indonesia has wrapped itself in the moral vocabulary of anti-colonialism and Palestinian solidarity. Its leaders lecture the world about justice, occupation and humanitarian principles. They speak as if Indonesia occupies a unique ethical position among nations — a Muslim-majority democracy supposedly unafraid to confront power on behalf of the oppressed.

Then nine Indonesians were detained by Israeli forces in international waters.

And Indonesia’s foreign minister chose to argue about semantics.

Following a meeting with Commission I of Parliament in Jakarta on May 20, Foreign Minister Sugiono insisted that the detention of Indonesian citizens aboard the Sumud flotilla should not be described as “kidnapping” or “hostage-taking.”

“This is not a case of kidnapping or hostage-taking,” Sugiono said. “This is a case of a humanitarian aid ship being intercepted because Israel prohibits any ship from entering the area.”

“This is not a case of kidnapping or hostage-taking,” Sugiono said. “This is a case of a humanitarian aid ship being intercepted because Israel prohibits any ship from entering the area.”

Nine Indonesians — four journalists and five activists — were detained by Israel.

And yet the Indonesian government’s first instinct was not outrage, not legal protest, not an uncompromising defense of its citizens, but the policing of language considered too harsh toward Israel.

Sugiono’s use of the word “prohibition” was not some harmless diplomatic refinement. Words in international politics are weapons. They establish legitimacy. They define who possesses authority and who does not.

Sugiono’s use of the word “prohibition” was not some harmless diplomatic refinement. Words in international politics are weapons. They establish legitimacy. They........

© Middle East Monitor