August 8, 2025 | 09:20 pm
Indonesia is awaiting official approval from Palestine before it can move forward with a plan to evacuate Gaza residents to Galang Island in the Riau Islands. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Nasir confirmed that the government’s proposal can only proceed after receiving Palestine's formal consent.
"Everything will be ready as soon as it is agreed upon by Palestine, if this is a request from all countries in the region and in line with the resolution of the Arab League," he told reporters in South Jakarta on Friday, August 8, 2025.
He emphasized that the timing and duration of any evacuation remain undetermined. He also stressed that this initiative is not intended to facilitate the expulsion of Gaza residents, a goal that has been attributed to Israel. "It is clear that we do not support efforts aimed at removing the Palestinian people," Arrmanatha added.
President Prabowo's Instruction
Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Hasan Nasbi previously stated that President Prabowo had instructed Indonesia to assist in the medical treatment of approximately 2,000 Palestinian victims of Israeli aggression.
"Those who are injured, who have suffered from perhaps bombs, debris, and all kinds of things," he said on Thursday.
Foreign Minister Sugiono later explained that this plan is part of the President's commitment made during a recent visit to several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
"Yesterday, the President stated that Indonesia is open to caring for victims, children, the elderly, women in need of medical treatment in Indonesia, provided that all parties agree," he said at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office on the same day.
Galang Island as an Alternative Location
Sugiono noted that the government is prepared to care for the injured victims, but only with the agreement of all relevant parties, including Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian authorities. He said the process is ongoing and that President Prabowo has engaged in discussions with several leaders in the Middle East.
"Then there are also technical aspects that we need to prepare. So, when the time comes, we are ready," he said.
In preparing for this potential initiative, the government is exploring several care locations. "One of the alternatives: Galang Island. We are still looking into it. Yesterday, the President mentioned Galang Island, and we are currently considering it because it was used as a COVID treatment facility before. So, the infrastructure is already there," Sugiono said.
He added that no clear technical request has been received from the relevant parties, and no final decision has been made. "There is no finality to it yet," he said. According to Sugiono, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health will be the primary agencies involved in this process.
Editor’s Choice: World Leaders Denounce Israel's Move to Occupy Entire Gaza Strip
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Egypt Seeks $35 Billion Gas Deal with Israel Despite Gaza Conflict
21 menit lalu
Despite Egypt's increasing criticism and frustration over Israel's genocide in Gaza, the two countries continue to make deals considered necessary for Cairo.
Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Plan to Take Over Entire Gaza
54 menit lalu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced a plan to take over the entire Gaza.
Indonesia Highlights Rising Support for Two-State Solution
1 jam lalu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlights the increasing international support at the UN for a two-state solution as a peaceful path to resolve the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Economic Growth: A Comparison Between Indonesia and the US
1 jam lalu
Viewing the difference in economic growth between Indonesia and the United States in the second quarter of 2025.
Celios Requests UN Audit on Indonesia's Economic Growth Q2 2025 Report
1 jam lalu
Celios believes that there are discrepancies between the official 5.12 percent growth figure and the country's actual economic conditions.
Today's Top 3 News: Here's Why the Indonesian Gov't Declared August 18 a Collective Leave Day
2 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Germany Halts Military Exports Potentially Usable by Israel in Gaza
3 jam lalu
This decision represents a significant shift for the German government, which has historically been one of Israel's staunchest international allies.
World Leaders Denounce Israel's Move to Occupy Entire Gaza Strip
3 jam lalu
World leaders have condemned Israel's plans to take control of Gaza City, the last 25 percent of the Gaza Strip that they do not yet control.
Netherlands Says No Plan to Recognize Palestine State for Now
6 jam lalu
The Netherlands rejects the recognition of Palestine as a state and will not stop importing weapons from Israel.
Netanyahu Says Israel Resolute in Plan to Occupy Gaza
8 jam lalu
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed the intention of Israel to occupy Gaza to establish a Hamas-free administration in the enclave.
