The Martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei Will Not Halt the Spirit of Resistance

This statement was delivered by Dr. Tedi Kholiludin, Chair of the Community Empowerment Foundation of the Institute for Social and Religious Studies (eLSA) in Semarang, during a testimony to Media ABI at the commemoration of International Quds Day in Semarang on Friday (March 13, 2026).

In his remarks, Tedi first expressed condolences over the passing of a figure widely recognized for actively fostering diplomatic relations with various countries.

"I would like to express my deepest condolences on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the spiritual leader of Iran. He built remarkable diplomatic relations with many countries, including Indonesia," he said.

According to Tedi, the passing of Ayatollah Khamenei represents a profound loss—not only for the people of Iran, but also for Muslims and for people around the world who advocate freedom, peace, and the independence of nations.

"This loss is certainly a loss not only for the Iranian people, but also for Muslims in particular, and for people across the world who aspire to freedom, peace, and independence," he stated.

Nevertheless, Tedi—who has long been known for his persistent advocacy of minority rights—believes that the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei will not diminish the spirit of struggle among Muslims in confronting imperialism and colonialism, particularly in relation to the Palestinian cause.

"The martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will not extinguish the flame of resistance. It will not weaken the determination of Muslims to liberate Palestine from imperialism and colonialism," he said.

Tedi also described the commemoration of International Quds Day as a manifestation of global solidarity with the Palestinian struggle and with oppressed peoples.

"The Quds Day we are witnessing today is one manifestation of the power of the people standing under the same banner. It reflects solidarity for the independence of Palestine," he remarked.

He emphasized that Quds Day is not merely an annual agenda, but also an open space for people around the world to voice support for freedom and to reject all forms of oppression against nations.

"Quds Day is not merely an annual routine; it is a vision initiated by the great leader of the Iranian Revolution, Imam Khomeini, and continues today. It serves as an open space for anyone who seeks freedom in the world and independence for nations from all forms of oppression," he said.

Furthermore, the founder of eLSA described Quds Day and the solidarity expressed toward Palestine and other oppressed nations as a shared call for the international community.

"This represents global suffering—the shared suffering of humanity," he said.

For that reason, he argued, anyone who aspires to peace founded on justice and independence should take part in voicing support through various means.

"It can be through voices, writings, demonstrations, political policies, or through various diplomatic channels. All of these are efforts that make it possible for this struggle to ultimately achieve victory," Tedi stated.

He added that every effort made in the pursuit of justice will not be in vain.

"With God's permission, whatever efforts are made will never be in vain, and victory always remains possible," he concluded.