Prabowo Clarifies Gaza Evacuation Plan as Humanitarian, Not Relocation
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JAKARTA, investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has clarified that Indonesia’s plan to evacuate 1,000 injured civilians from Gaza is a temporary humanitarian measure, not a relocation effort. He emphasized that the evacuees would return to Gaza once conditions allow for their safe repatriation.
Speaking after his appearance at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) 2025 on Friday, April 11, in Türkiye, Prabowo said, “No, no, no — this is not relocation. We are doing this to help.” The president reiterated that the initiative remains under consultation with Palestinian leaders and regional governments in the Middle East.
“This is our offer to take part in addressing the humanitarian crisis and the suffering of the Palestinian people. We want to do something tangible,” Prabowo explained.
Prabowo has embarked on a diplomatic tour across the Middle East since Wednesday, April 9, with stops in the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan. One of the key objectives of the mission is to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and coordinate Indonesia’s proposed evacuation plan.
According to Prabowo, Indonesia has received numerous appeals to take a more active role in resolving the Gaza conflict and promoting peace in the broader Middle East. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority country and a key member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Indonesia is considered a credible and acceptable mediator to all parties involved.
During the forum, Prabowo also used the international platform to call for justice for Palestinians and renewed Indonesia’s commitment to humanitarian assistance.
Indonesia has already deployed a significant relief package to Gaza, including food, medical equipment, clothing, clean water, and medicine. The Indonesian Navy hospital ship KRI dr Radjiman Wedyodiningrat has been sent to provide treatment for war victims, while medical teams have been stationed at field and floating hospitals in Rafah.
The President stated that the planned evacuation would prioritize individuals who are injured, traumatized, or orphaned. “We are ready to send aircraft to transport them. We estimate 1,000 people in the first wave,” he said.
However, Prabowo stressed that the plan will only proceed with the full consent of all relevant authorities and in accordance with established protocols. He underlined the temporary nature of the initiative, saying, “They will stay in Indonesia only until they recover. Once they are healthy and the situation in Gaza permits, they must return to their homeland. That is the position of the Indonesian government. I will continue consultations with leaders in the region.”