Indonesia is ready to temporarily shelter Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as announced by President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday. He stated that the country is prepared to evacuate up to 1,000 individuals in the first phase, prioritizing the injured, orphans, and those traumatized by the violence.
Before embarking on a diplomatic mission to the Middle East and Turkey, Prabowo instructed Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi to coordinate with Palestinian authorities and other relevant parties to organize the evacuation efforts. Prabowo emphasized that the evacuees would be housed in Indonesia until they fully recover and it is safe for them to return home.
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While acknowledging the challenges, Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s long-standing support for Palestinian independence and its humanitarian commitment. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia has consistently advocated for Palestinian statehood, provided aid, and called for a two-state solution.
The government also reiterated its opposition to any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, especially following former US President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about resettling Gazans.
Prabowo’s remarks reflect Indonesia’s growing role in international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. His upcoming tour to Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar aims to strengthen ties with regional leaders involved in mediation. Since the conflict’s escalation on October 7, 2023, the death toll in Gaza has reached over 50,700, with most casualties being women and children.
Earlier, Prabowo had expressed Indonesia’s willingness to contribute peacekeeping forces to Gaza, should international bodies request it. The president’s announcement highlights the increasing global pressure to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, particularly for vulnerable groups. Although the exact timeline for evacuations is still uncertain, preparations are reportedly underway.
