BANDUNG — “Boycott, boycott, boycott Israel. Boycott Israel now!” — one of the chants that roared across Bandung as 25,000 West Java residents rallied in a Solidarity Action for Palestine.
The event took place on Sunday morning (April 20, 2025) at the Islamic Da’wah Center (Pusdai) in West Java, starting with congregational Fajr prayers, a morning Islamic study session (MQ Pagi), and collective prayers. The crowd then took to the streets in a long march to Gedung Merdeka, raising their voices and carrying messages of solidarity for Palestine.
At the first stop, in front of Gedung Sate, speakers from across West Java emphasized four major points during their orations:
First: Boycott products affiliated with Israel.
Ahmad Heryawan, a member of the West Java Regional Parliament for District II, urged the public to weaken the economy of the genocide perpetrators through consumer boycotts. He encouraged the use of social media to spread boycott information and to consistently remind each other to avoid these products.
Many participants carried banners, posters, and signs listing the brands to boycott. Some even brought packaging from boycotted products, splattered with red liquid to symbolize the blood of Palestinian victims, connecting consumer purchases with the ongoing violence funded by profits.
Second: Ignite the same spirit of struggle.
KH. Athian Ali stressed the importance of growing empathy and taking real action to defend Palestine.
“The cries of Palestine must become our cries,” he proclaimed.
Third: Increase personal piety.
Aa Gym, a prominent scholar from the Daarut Tauhiid Islamic Boarding School, emphasized that standing for Palestine should inspire Muslims to improve their knowledge, faith, and good deeds, emulating the strength and steadfastness of the Palestinian people.
Fourth: Reflect deeply on the cruelty of genocide.
Maemon Herawati, a respected journalist figure in West Java, offered a powerful reflection by holding up a simple plastic bag. In Palestine, she said, such bags — usually used to carry groceries — are instead used to carry the shattered remains of Palestinian children.
The messages from the speeches served as a powerful reminder for the public to stay consistent in boycotting Israeli-affiliated products, even when tempted by enticing discounts.