Israeli PM's plane over Indonesia banned in retaliation

By Ainur Rohmah

TUBAN, Indonesia (AA) - The decision to not allow the aircraft of Israeli premier to fly over Indonesian airspace was intended to retaliate against Israel's action from last year that banned our foreign minister’s visit to Palestine, the Foreign Ministry said Friday.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane had to make a detour en route from Singapore to Australia after it was banned from using Indonesian airspace.

The plane arrived in Sydney after an 11-hour flight from Singapore even though the normal time for a direct flight between the two locations is eight-and-a-half hours.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim country with a total population of about 240 million. The country strongly supports Palestinian aspirations for independence.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said: "This occurrence is normal and no cause for concern" since Indonesia and Israel do not have diplomatic relations.

Nasir, quoted by detik.com, added: "[This policy has been taken] because the same was done to us."

In March 2016, Indonesian foreign minister was set to inaugurate the Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Ramallah; however, Tel Aviv did not give permission to fly to Palestine moments before the minister’s departure.