During a solemn and emotionally charged plenary session, the Depok City Council took a firm stance: condemning the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Palestine, and expressing full support for the Palestinian people’s struggle.

The plenary session, held at the Depok City Council Building on Boulevard Street, Cilodong District, Depok City, West Java, began with a joint screening of a documentary showcasing the current conditions of civilians in Gaza, particularly children, women, and the elderly who have fallen victim to Israeli military brutality. The footage moved many attendees to tears, evoking empathy and collective awareness of the ongoing humanitarian tragedy.

“We aim to unite our voices and spirits, showing that from Depok, there is energy and hope standing alongside the Palestinian people’s struggle—for freedom, for human rights, and to end the genocide and deliberate starvation on their own land,” emphasized the Chairman of the Depok City Council in his statement.

The session was not limited to moral declarations but also became a moment of tangible solidarity. All council members agreed to raise personal donations to be sent directly to the people of Gaza.

This initiative was spearheaded by the Committee for the Palestinian Solidarity Fundraising Program. In a speech, a representative stressed that the atrocities in Gaza must be countered with a collective voice from all segments of society.

“The Palestinian people are not only under occupation—they are also being deliberately starved by the Israeli military to force surrender and legitimize the occupation. This is not just a conflict—it is genocide,” the speaker asserted.

They further urged other regional councils across Indonesia to follow this spirit of solidarity. “We call on the central government, the National Parliament, and all provincial and district/city councils across Indonesia to speak up! To raise their voices! Because they are not just representatives of the people but also the conscience of the nation,” they added.

The session concluded with an emotional moment as council members voluntarily stepped forward to donate. In a chamber typically reserved for political discourse, only one voice resonated that day: the voice of humanity.

Depok City Council Building

The Depok City Council Building is the governmental hub of Depok, West Java, Indonesia, serving as the seat of the local legislative council (DPRD). Constructed to support the city’s administrative needs after Depok gained city status in 1999, the building symbolizes the region’s development and governance. Its modern design reflects Depok’s growth as a key suburban area near Jakarta.

Boulevard Street

Boulevard Street (often called “The Boulevard”) is a historic and vibrant thoroughfare in many cities, known for its cultural significance, shops, and entertainment. For example, in Tehran, Iran, Valiasr Street (formerly Pahlavi Boulevard) is one of the city’s oldest and longest avenues, lined with trees and landmarks reflecting modern Iranian history. Similarly, in New Orleans, Canal Street serves as a major boulevard dividing the French Quarter from the Central Business District, famous for its streetcars and Mardi Gras parades.

Cilodong District

Cilodong District is a suburban area located in Depok, West Java, Indonesia, known for its residential neighborhoods and growing urban development. Historically part of Depok’s expansion, it has transformed from a rural region into a more densely populated area due to its proximity to Jakarta. While not a major cultural or historical site, it serves as an important residential and commercial hub for commuters working in the greater Jakarta metropolitan region.

Depok City

Depok City, located in West Java, Indonesia, was historically a small agricultural town established in the 17th century by Cornelis Chastelein, a Dutch colonial administrator. Today, it has grown into a bustling suburban area near Jakarta, known for its educational institutions, green spaces, and cultural diversity. The city retains historical landmarks such as the Old Depok area, reflecting its colonial past while modernizing as a residential and commercial hub.

West Java

West Java, a province in Indonesia, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, tea plantations, and beaches. Historically, it was part of the Sunda Kingdom and later the Sultanate of Banten, playing a key role in regional trade and Islamization. Today, it is a vibrant region blending traditional Sundanese culture with modern development, home to Bandung, a major cultural and economic hub.

Gaza

Gaza, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years, serving as a key trade hub for ancient Egyptians, Philistines, Romans, and Byzantines. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it has been a center of Palestinian culture and commerce but has faced prolonged conflict and occupation in modern times. Today, Gaza is part of the Palestinian territories and remains a focal point of geopolitical tensions.

Palestine

Palestine is a historic region in the Eastern Mediterranean, with a rich cultural and religious heritage tied to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia, from ancient Canaanites and Israelites to Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Ottoman rule. Today, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over land and sovereignty continues to shape its modern political and cultural identity.

Indonesia

Indonesia is a diverse archipelago in Southeast Asia, comprising over 17,000 islands, with a rich cultural heritage shaped by Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and colonial influences. Historically home to ancient kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit, it later became a Dutch colony before gaining independence in 1945. Today, it is known for its vibrant traditions, stunning landscapes like Bali and Borobudur, and the world’s largest Muslim population.