Jakarta: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced that the country is prepared to provide temporary refuge for Palestinians affected by the ongoing war in Gaza, with an initial intake estimated at around 1,000 people. The announcement came as Prabowo embarked on a diplomatic tour of the Middle East and Turkey.
Prabowo stated that he has directed Indonesia’s foreign minister to promptly coordinate with Palestinian authorities and international partners on efforts to evacuate injured, traumatized individuals, and orphans from Gaza. He emphasized that the refugees would be hosted in Indonesia temporarily, until they have recovered and it is safe for them to return home.
"Our priority is to help the wounded, the traumatized, and orphans. They will stay in Indonesia only until they heal and conditions allow them to safely return," said Prabowo.
Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, has been vocal in its support for a two-state solution and has consistently sent humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The country has condemned forced displacement proposals, reaffirming its support for Palestinian sovereignty and safety.
The conflict escalated in October 2023 after Hamas-led attacks killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and captured around 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. Since then, over 50,000 Palestinians have died in Israel's military attacks, Palestinian health authorities report.
As part of his ongoing commitment to peace, Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia's willingness to play a more active role in resolving the conflict and even reiterated a past offer to deploy peacekeeping forces to Gaza if required.
He is scheduled to visit Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey as part of this regional diplomatic effort.
