REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Government is unlikely to approve Hamas to open representative office in Indonesia despite strong support from the House of Representatives. Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that Palestine had been represented by Palestine Embassy in Indonesia. 

"It is unlikely," Director of Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Siti Mauludia said on Monday, December 1, referring to the possibility to approve Hamas' plan. 

He said that Indonesia was engaged in diplomatic relations with the Palestine government and allowing Hamas to open representative in Indonesia will create dualism.

"Fatah and Hamas must unite to achieve Palestinian victory," she said.

During the presidential election campaign in July, President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo promised that he would officially recognize Palestine as an independent state and that he would open an Indonesian diplomatic office in Palestine.

Hamas representatives visited the House of Representatives last week to talk on the plan. "Indonesia has supported our struggle. We should open a representative office in Indonesia," Hamas representative Abu Umar Muhammad said.

Chairman of House of Representatives Setya Novanto replied by saying that parliament supported Hamas' move. He is optimistic that Hamas will not face any difficulties in the process of opening a branch in Indonesia.

Vice Chairman on Politics, Laws and Security of the House of Representatives Fadli Zon said that the House was ready to bridge the organization and Indonesian government to materialize the plan. "If such plan is possible then we will tell the government," he said.

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