Indonesia prepares to treat injured Gaza residents in Riau, pending regional approval
Indonesia is preparing a humanitarian mission to provide medical care for Gaza residents affected by Israeli attacks, with Pulau Galang in Riau considered as the primary treatment site.
Indonesia’s Humanitarian Plan for Gaza
President Prabowo Subianto has directed that Indonesia prepare to host and treat 2,000 residents from the Gaza Strip in Pulau Galang, Riau Islands. According to Hasan Nasbi, Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), the plan is purely humanitarian, aimed at providing medical treatment for victims of the ongoing Israeli aggression.
Hasan explained that Pulau Galang was chosen because of its adequate healthcare facilities and its isolated location, away from local residential areas. He stressed that the move is not a relocation, but a temporary medical assistance program.
Medical Evacuation in Phases
Prabowo previously announced in April that the evacuation would occur in several waves, with the first expected to bring around 1,000 Gaza residents, including the wounded, orphans, and those suffering severe trauma. After treatment, all evacuees will return to Gaza.
Hasan clarified: “After recovery, they will return to Gaza. This is not resettlement, but humanitarian medical support.”
Foreign Ministry Says Plan Still Not Final
However, Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that the evacuation plan is not yet final. Approval is still required from Palestine and its neighboring countries before the process can proceed. Without these permissions, logistical arrangements cannot move forward smoothly.
Sugiono also noted that the previously announced figure of 2,000 evacuees might be adjusted, saying a more accurate estimate is 1,000 people along with their families.
Pulau Galang and Alternative Sites
While Pulau Galang is the main option due to existing infrastructure from its past use as a COVID-19 treatment center, Sugiono confirmed that alternative sites are also under consideration. The final decision will depend on operational readiness, regional approvals, and coordination with humanitarian partners.
Regional and International Context
Indonesia’s move mirrors similar humanitarian efforts by other countries that have hosted and treated Gaza victims during past conflicts. This initiative underscores Jakarta’s commitment to humanitarian principles while respecting Gaza residents’ right to return to their homeland after treatment.
If realized, this humanitarian mission will strengthen Indonesia’s role in global humanitarian diplomacy and highlight Southeast Asia’s contribution to alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s war victims. The move also reflects the region’s growing engagement in Middle Eastern humanitarian issues, with potential diplomatic ripple effects for both Indonesians and Singaporeans.
Sources: CNN Indonesia (2025) , Tirto.id (2025)
Keywords: Indonesia, Gaza, Pulau Galang, Prabowo Subianto, Medical Evacuation, Humanitarian Aid
