Indonesia prepares to shelter Gaza refugees as Prabowo pushes for stronger role in conflict resolution

[MIDDLE EAST] Indonesia is prepared to temporarily shelter Palestinians affected by the Gaza war, President Prabowo Subianto said on Wednesday, predicting that there could be 1,000 in the first wave, as he began a tour to the Middle East and Turkey. Prabowo said he has directed his foreign minister to immediately consult with the Palestinian side and other parties about how to relocate affected Palestinians to Indonesia, a Muslim-majority country.

The proposal aligns with Indonesia’s longstanding support for Palestinian statehood, which dates back to its early diplomatic recognition of Palestine in 1988. Over the years, Jakarta has consistently used its position in international forums, such as the United Nations, to advocate for Palestinian rights and condemn Israeli occupation.

"We are ready to evacuate the wounded, the traumatised, and the orphans," Prabowo said, adding that the victims would be temporarily in Indonesia until they had fully recovered from their injuries and the situation in Gaza was safe for their return. Jakarta has advocated for a two-state solution and provided humanitarian help.

Indonesia’s humanitarian efforts have included medical supplies, food, and financial assistance channeled through organizations like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). However, the country faces logistical challenges in delivering aid directly to Gaza due to its lack of diplomatic ties with Israel, requiring coordination with neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan.

Israel's war in Gaza began in October 2023, when Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and kidnapped approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli estimates. More than 50,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israel's military campaign, according to Palestinian authorities.

The conflict has sparked widespread protests across Indonesia, with civil society groups and religious organizations urging stronger government action. Public sentiment remains overwhelmingly pro-Palestine, reflecting the country’s historical solidarity with Muslim causes and anti-colonial movements.

Prabowo stated that Indonesia wants to play a larger role in resolving the issue, but that this approach will be difficult. "Indonesia's commitment to Palestinian safety and independence has pushed our government to act more actively," Prabowo said as he prepared to go for an international trip that included Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.

Analysts suggest Prabowo’s Middle East tour is aimed at strengthening alliances with key regional players who share Indonesia’s stance on Palestine. Egypt and Qatar, in particular, have been mediators in ceasefire negotiations, while Turkey has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s military actions.

Prabowo's statement comes two months after Indonesia's foreign ministry stated that it "strongly rejects any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians" as US President Donald Trump urged permanently removing Palestinians from Gaza. Indonesia was willing to send peacekeeping forces to Gaza if necessary, Prabowo stated last year, before officially taking office.