Enviro News Asia, Washington, D.C. – Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian diplomacy by expanding assistance to Gaza through humanitarian aid deliveries, medical missions, educational initiatives, and international partnerships aimed at supporting the Palestinian people.
The commitment was highlighted during a meeting between Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Indroyono Soesilo and American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) President Sean Carroll in Washington, D.C., on July 17.
During the meeting, Carroll expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s sustained humanitarian contributions to Gaza. ANERA has been entrusted with distributing Indonesian aid provided through cooperation with international partners, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Between October 2023 and June 2026, Indonesia delivered more than 2,630 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The shipments included food supplies, medical equipment, and sanitation materials for communities affected by the ongoing conflict.
One of Indonesia’s major humanitarian operations involved the Indonesian Air Force, which used C-130 Hercules aircraft to conduct airdrop missions, successfully delivering 91.4 tonnes of emergency relief directly to affected areas.
The humanitarian response has also been strengthened through contributions from the Indonesian public. Donations collected by organizations such as the National Alms Agency (BAZNAS), the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Dompet Dhuafa, and Kitabisa have complemented government assistance, reflecting broad public solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Indonesia has also expanded its support in the health sector. Since September 2024, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have deployed Emergency Medical Teams under the Patriot Husada Task Force to provide healthcare services aboard the United Arab Emirates Floating Hospital serving patients from Gaza. In April 2026, the fifth deployment of the mission was dispatched, consisting of 25 medical professionals.
Beyond emergency assistance, Indonesia has invested in long-term human resource development for Palestine. Since 2025, the government has offered scholarships at the Indonesia Defense University, specialist training in plastic surgery, medical co-assistant education through the SHEMIND program, and vocational training, including avocado cultivation, to support the future recovery and self-reliance of Palestinian communities.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Indroyono encouraged stronger collaboration between ANERA and Indonesian humanitarian organizations, including Forum Zakat, Dompet Dhuafa, Kitabisa, and WeCare.id. The proposed partnerships are expected to improve aid distribution, enhance coordination, and expand the impact of humanitarian assistance.
Indonesia’s continued efforts demonstrate its commitment to supporting the Palestinian people through practical humanitarian action, international cooperation, and sustainable development initiatives amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza. (*)
