Jakarta: Indonesia on Tuesday "strongly" rejected efforts to recognize "illegitimate entities that undermine the unity of Somalia," referring specifically to the breakaway region of Somaliland. Jakarta "fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the brotherly Federal Republic of Somalia," the Foreign Ministry stated in a message posted on US social media platform X.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, the ministry emphasized that "Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia," dismissing any initiatives to acknowledge entities that compromise Somalia's unity. Indonesia views such recognition as a "disruption to the region's stability as well as a violation of international law."
The statement from Jakarta follows the visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Somaliland, occurring nearly two weeks after Israel declared its recognition of the region. This decision by Tel Aviv has sparked international disapproval, as Israel became the only country to acknowledge Somaliland as an independent, sovereign state.
Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has operated as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity. However, it has been unable to gain official international recognition, with Somalia's central government unable to exert control over the region.