The Indonesian government is advancing a proposal to provide temporary medical care for up to 2,000 individuals from Gaza, with high-level inter-ministerial meetings now underway to address the complex logistical, legal, and diplomatic dimensions of the initiative.
Senior officials have confirmed that multiple government bodies, including the coordinating security ministry and the ministries of health and foreign affairs, are actively involved in planning sessions. These discussions are focused on assessing the feasibility of establishing temporary medical facilities, ensuring medical readiness, and navigating the intricate legal frameworks required for such an operation.
While the plan remains in an exploratory phase, several potential locations have been identified. The uninhabited Galang Island, which has a history of use for humanitarian purposes, is one candidate site due to its existing infrastructure. Other facilities in West Java and Central Java, chosen for their proximity to major hospitals and supply hubs, are also under consideration. Additionally, the potential use of large military hospitals in Jakarta, as well as a site in Jordan, has been raised in official talks.
Officials acknowledge the political sensitivity of the proposal. A primary concern is ensuring that any medical evacuation strictly adheres to international humanitarian law, particularly the right of the individuals to return to their homes. The government has emphasized that no final decisions have been made and that the plan would not proceed without the explicit approval and support of relevant Palestinian authorities and regional partners.
The initiative is framed exclusively as a temporary humanitarian measure aimed at providing critical medical care. Authorities have stressed that the objective is care, not resettlement, with a clear focus on supporting the eventual return of the individuals once conditions in Gaza permit. Coordination with international agencies is planned to establish robust documentation, medical records, and repatriation protocols.
This development occurs as Indonesia continues to demonstrate its support for the Palestinian people through other channels, including recent humanitarian airdrops into Gaza facilitated with regional cooperation.
