Indonesian legislators support Operation Peace Spring

By Pizaro Gozali Idrus

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AA) - Indonesian lawmakers voiced support for Turkey's Operation Peace Spring to secure its borders with Syria by eliminating terrorist elements and ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees and Syria’s territorial integrity.

Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) member Al Muzammil Yusuf said this operation was a form of care for Syrian refugees.

"[Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan cares so much about Syrian refugees," Yusuf told Anadolu Agency, adding that Erdogan valued human rights and had an Islamic mindset.

Urging the world to reflect on Erdogan's steps towards human values, he said: "Erdogan can be an example of world leaders and the Islamic world."

Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal, a parliament member from the United Development Party (PPP), also voiced his appreciation for Turkey's move to help secure a safe zone in northern Syria.

"President Erdogan is very concerned about humanitarian issues," Djamal told Anadolu Agency, underlining that Erdogan's responsiveness and prompt response to humanitarian issues.

She asked the global community to look at the Syrian issue not only in terms of religion, but also in terms of humanity, urging Jakarta to actively contribute to humanitarian crisis in Syria.

"[Indonesian] President Joko Widodo has been coordinating with President Erdogan on the Palestinian and Syrian issues," she said.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian public also voiced support for Turkey's anti-terror operation in northern Syria.

Putri Cendera Permata, 23, a private employee, said Turkey was committed to eradicating terrorists without discrimination.

"President Erdogan has the right to conduct military operations in northern Syria in order to uphold the sovereignty of the Turkish state," Permata told Anadolu Agency.

Permata said the PKK/PYD/YPG were dangerous terrorists backed by foreigner actors.

"It is compulsory for the Turkish government to wipe them out to the root," he said.

Muhammad Fiqruddin, 27, a young businessman, said the Turkish government had taken the right step by launching the military operation in order to bring peace to the region.

"Terrorists are a common enemy not only for Turkey but human civilization," he said.

Turkey on Wednesday launched Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria to secure its borders by eliminating terrorists there and to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees and Syria’s territorial integrity.

Ankara wants to clear the region east of the Euphrates River of the terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the PYD/YPG.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The PYD/YPG is its Syrian offshoot.