Reason Behind Indonesia's Delegation Walkout at the UNGA

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the delegation walkout at the 81st United Nations General Assembly was a form of solidarity with the people of Palestine. The departure occurred when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was about to deliver a speech at the UN session in New York, United States.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, said the action was a protest and condemnation of the humanitarian crimes and international law violations committed by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“The walkout is a reflection of Indonesia's consistent position in supporting Palestinian independence and rejecting all forms of violence and international law violations by Israel,” said Yvonne when contacted on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Yvonne Mewengkang emphasized that Indonesia, along with like-minded countries, wants to convey a clear message that violence against the Palestinian people and violations of international law cannot be normalized and must be stopped immediately.

The Indonesian delegation walked out of the UN General Assembly Hall in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, local time. According to video footage from the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia (PTRI) in New York reviewed by Tempo in Jakarta, Indonesian diplomats in the session hall were seen quickly leaving their seats when the leader of the Zionist regime, Netanyahu, was invited to the podium.

In addition to Indonesia, diplomats from various other countries were also seen leaving their seats and exiting the room.

ANTARA reported a commotion in the UN General Assembly hall when delegates tried to leave. The situation also prompted the session chair to bang the gavel and ask the delegates to maintain order. A queue formed as many delegates walked out.