Commercial activity by Israeli companies is steadily growing in Indonesia. These companies are using various locations across Indonesia, local creative talent, and business networks to expand and promote their businesses — even though the country has not recognised Israel, has stood with Palestine for decades, and has consistently supported the establishment of a Palestinian state and Palestinian rights.
Israeli eyewear company Swift Optics has produced promotional content in Indonesia, even though Indonesia has not established diplomatic relations with Israel. However, the commercial presence of Israeli companies in the country is now raising fresh questions in relation to that stance.
The growing presence of Israeli companies is causing concern. Israeli firms enter the market, hire local staff, produce promotional videos in various locations across Indonesia, and build local business relationships. Their products then begin appearing regularly in Indonesian media and on social media. Over time, this could make Israeli businesses familiar and normalised in the eyes of the Indonesian public.
When an Israeli company uses locations such as Nias, Bali or Lombok in its commercial promotions, it is not merely participating in Indonesia’s market — it is also drawing on the country’s natural and cultural assets to expand its business. This has raised the need to examine whether the commercial activities of Israeli companies are consistent with Indonesia’s foreign policy, existing restrictions, and its long-standing position on Palestine.