Professor Yon Machmudi, S.S., Ph.D. was officially inaugurated as Permanent Professor of History, Faculty of Humanities (FIB), Universitas Indonesia (UI), in an inauguration ceremony held on Wednesday (9/10) at the UI Convention Hall, Depok Campus. In his scientific oration titled “One Year of War in Gaza: Reflections on the History of the Israeli Occupation of Palestine,” Prof. Yon conveyed his views regarding the long Israeli-Palestinian conflict which has heated up again since the attack on Gaza on October 7, 2023.
He traced the historical roots of the conflict, starting from the British occupation of Palestine after World War I to efforts to raise international solidarity for the struggle of the Palestinian people. He explained that in 1948, when Israel declared its independence, there was a mass exodus of Palestinians who were then involved in several major wars, including in 1948, 1967, and 1973.
In his speech, Prof. Yon explained that changes in world geopolitics also influenced the dynamics of this conflict. “The October 7, 2023 attack changed Palestine’s position in fighting for its independence. The world public’s sympathy for Palestine is growing, while countries that were initially not optimistic about Palestinian independence are starting to discuss the two-state solution again as a solution to resolve this conflict,” said Yon.
UI Rector, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D, expressed his pride in Prof. Yon’s contribution to science and his commitment to studying Middle Eastern issues. “Prof. Yon has shown high dedication in the fields of history and Middle Eastern studies. His views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict provide a very important perspective for efforts to create peace in the region,” said Prof. Ari.
In addition to delivering historical reflections, Prof. Yon also explained various momentums that can be utilized by the Palestinian people to achieve independence. According to him, UN Security Council Resolution No. 2735 of 2024 which calls for a ceasefire in Gaza must be implemented immediately as an initial step. “Learning from history, the Palestinian people are expected to utilize this momentum to realize their independence with support from the international community,” he added.
The inauguration ceremony of the professor was also attended by a number of national figures, including the Deputy Head of the State Intelligence Agency for the 2000–2004 period, K.H. Asad Ali; and the Director of Economics of the National Police Security Intelligence Agency, Brigadier General Pol. Ratno Kuncoro, SIK., M.Si.
As an academic who actively writes, Prof. Yon has published several scientific works in Scopus-indexed international journals, including on the Bawean diaspora in Singapore, and the influence of Turkish laicism on secular and Muslim thought in Indonesia. Among academics, these works are known to enrich perspectives on the history of international relations and cultures.
This inauguration marks Prof. Yon’s commitment to studying the history and role of the international world in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In addition to enriching academic discourse, this is relevant to the current global political situation.
