STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT. President Jokowi oversaw the dispatch of 51.5 tons of aid worth $1.5 million (IDR24.1 billion) from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta for the people of Palestine. The aid package includes food provisions, medical supplies, blankets, tents, and a range of essential items, all of which will be transported to conflict-torn Gaza. Jokowi said that the first batch of aid sent Saturday came from various sources, including the government, the public, the business community, and humanitarian organizations. He also mentioned that further aid preparations are underway.
Former Governor of Jakarta and presidential candidate from the Coalition for Change, Anies Baswedan, attended a Pro-Palestine Rally at the National Monument (Monas) area, Jakarta. This rally is held to provide support for the Palestinian people who continue to be assaulted by the Israeli military.
Tens of thousands of people filled the area. They mostly wore white clothes and carried flags, scarves and also clothes bearing Palestinian symbols and even posters condemning the ferocity of Israel’s attacks. They condemned the Israeli military attack which has killed around 10,000 Palestinians.
Anies Baswedan delivered a portion of his speech in English, calling for the Gaza blockade to be lifted so that aid could enter the territory, also demanding a cease-fire and an end to the occupation. “Let the world see the large number of people who support Palestine today,” Anies said. He also called on the public to record the event in order to send a message to the world that violence should never be tolerated.
Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla gave a speech while attending a demonstration to defend Palestine at Monas calling on the United States to stop supporting Israel. “Let us also call on America to stop its support for Israel and Israel will be aware of humanity,” said Kalla at Monas, Central Jakarta. He also condemned Israel’s brutal attacks on Palestinians, which he considered disregarding humanity.
Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said he has submitted an offer to send a hospital ship to Palestine to help those in need of medical treatment. Speaking to journalists after receiving a courtesy call from Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Al-Shun, Prabowo said he had discussed the offer more deeply with the ambassador. Prabowo said he had also told Palestine that all Indonesian military hospitals would welcome Palestinians from the besieged Gaza Strip who need medical treatment.
Committee (MER-C) Chair Sarbini Abdul Murad denied allegations from an Israeli military spokesman that the Indonesia Hospital was the headquarters of the Hamas group. The humanitarian organization considered that the accusation was a precondition for Israel to attack the Indonesia Hospital.
Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi called on Israel to stop killing civilians and attacking civilian facilities, such as hospitals, mosques, and churches, in the Gaza Strip. Retno confirmed that the Indonesia Hospital in Gaza would continue to operate to treat victims of the conflict despite dwindling supplies.
People’s Consultative Assembly Speaker and Party of Functional Groups (Golkar) Deputy Chair Bambang Soesatyo and Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroijerd agreed to continue working together to improve bilateral relations between the two countries. This includes international cooperation to fight for Palestinian independence and peace, as well as opposing and condemning Israel’s various acts of violence.
