Indonesia to shelter 1,000 Palestinians from Gaza

Prabowo’s statement aligns with Jakarta’s long-standing foreign policy.

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Indonesia is prepared to temporarily take in Palestinians impacted by the war in Gaza, President Prabowo Subianto said on Wednesday, pledging to evacuate up to 1,000 people in the initial phase, including the injured, orphans, and those traumatised by the ongoing violence.

Speaking just before departing on a diplomatic tour of the Middle East and Turkey, Prabowo said he had instructed Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi to coordinate with Palestinian authorities and other involved parties to organise the evacuations.

“We are ready to evacuate the wounded, the traumatised, the orphans,” said Prabowo. “They will be housed temporarily in Indonesia until they are fully recovered and it is safe for them to return home.”

The plan, Prabowo acknowledged, is not without challenges, but he said it reflects Indonesia’s longstanding commitment to supporting Palestinian independence and addressing the humanitarian toll of the conflict.

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has long been a vocal advocate for Palestinian statehood. The government has provided humanitarian aid and pushed for a two-state solution.

It also recently reaffirmed its opposition to any attempts at the forced displacement of Palestinians, following controversial comments from former US President Donald Trump suggesting permanent resettlement of Gazans.

“Indonesia’s commitment in supporting the safety of Palestinians and their independence has pushed our government to act more actively,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo’s comments signal Jakarta’s growing interest in playing a larger diplomatic and humanitarian role in resolving the crisis. His tour includes visits to Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar — key regional players that have also been active in mediation efforts.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed at least 50,700 people in Gaza, the majority of whom are women and children.

In an earlier statement made prior to officially taking office, Prabowo expressed Indonesia’s willingness to contribute peacekeeping forces to Gaza if requested by international bodies.

The president's announcement follows months of mounting pressure on the international community to do more to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, especially among displaced and vulnerable groups.

Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for when the first wave of evacuees may arrive, but logistical preparations are reportedly under way.