Indonesia’s main English language newspaper, The Jakarta Post, published a letter signed by Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Majalli Whbee. The letter reportedly called upon Indonesia to take a greater role in the Middle East peace process.

This publication is of considerable significance as the first published letter by an Israeli diplomat in the Muslim nation’s press. It was even more remarkable in light of the fact that Indonesia and Israel do not have established diplomatic relations.

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation. It is in a unique position as a member of Opec and considered to be moderate. There is the hope that Indonesia will step up and participate more fully in Middle Eastern affairs.

_{(Issue April 2008)}