President Prabowo Subianto has initiated a crucial diplomatic mission across the Middle East, seeking regional support for Indonesia’s plan to temporarily evacuate one thousand Palestinians from Gaza. The move is positioned as a humanitarian response to the ongoing conflict and underscores Indonesia’s commitment to global peace and solidarity with Palestine. The president aims to gain approval from key nations involved in Palestinian aid and conflict resolution before executing the operation.
On Wednesday, President Prabowo departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta, heading first to Abu Dhabi as part of a five-nation tour that includes the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan. Speaking at a press conference before his departure, Prabowo emphasized that the evacuation plan hinges on consent from all parties. The evacuated Palestinians, he clarified, would only stay in Indonesia temporarily, until the situation in Gaza stabilizes enough for their safe return.
According to the president, Indonesia is prepared to send aircraft to transport approximately one thousand Palestinians in the first batch. Priority will be given to those who are injured, orphaned, or suffering trauma due to the war. This step follows growing international calls for Indonesia to take a more proactive role, reflecting its position as a major Muslim-majority and non-aligned nation.
Indonesia has already been active in supporting Gaza by providing humanitarian assistance, including food, medicines, clean water, and clothing. These supplies have been delivered via Egypt’s El Arish and through joint airdrops with the Jordanian Air Force. In addition, Indonesia has deployed a hospital ship, KRI dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat, to dock in El Arish for several months to provide medical services to victims of the war.
President Prabowo also highlighted Indonesia’s medical team stationed in Rafah, Gaza, working under challenging and dangerous conditions at the UAE field hospital and the Indonesian floating hospital. The ongoing efforts reflect Indonesia’s readiness to contribute more significantly, with the Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono set to meet Palestinian officials to discuss the logistics and diplomatic coordination of the evacuation.
