Indonesia to Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Gaza by Air, Confirms President Jokowi

Magetan, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) announced that the Indonesian government is poised to utilize the opportunity to distribute crucial humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza by air, aiming to alleviate the challenges posed by difficult land routes. The President made this announcement following a comprehensive simulation of aid delivery held at the Iswahjudi Airbase in Magetan District, East Java, on Friday.

Indonesia, recognized as one of the nations afforded the chance to provide assistance to Gaza, will deploy Hercules aircraft for the delivery. President Jokowi expressed the complexity of land routes and highlighted the strategic advantage of aerial support in overcoming these challenges.

At the simulation event, Hercules aircraft and helicopters executed airdrops from a specified altitude, affirming the feasibility and effectiveness of the chosen method. President Jokowi expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, “This has been simulated, and I see the results are good.”

Underlining Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Palestine, President Jokowi emphasized that the aid delivery is a tangible expression of solidarity. The government aims to ease the burdens faced by the people of Gaza through this initiative.

In December 2023, Indonesia pledged to triple its contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for the year 2024. The first batch of humanitarian assistance, weighing 51.8 tons, was dispatched to Gaza on November 4, 2023, encompassing medical equipment, hygiene kits, food, and various logistics. Notably, seven tons of this aid were managed by the Ministry of Health.

Further demonstrating Indonesia’s commitment, a subsequent batch of humanitarian assistance, valued at Rp31.9 billion (approximately US$2.04 million) and comprising medicines and hospital equipment, was sent on November 20, 2023.

As Indonesia embarks on this aerial humanitarian mission, it underscores the nation’s dedication to extending support to those in need and fostering international cooperation for the greater well-being of the global community.