Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto spoke at an economic event in Jakarta on April 8, 2025. His speech focused on ways to make the country’s economy stronger and more stable REUTERS
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has announced that the country is ready to temporarily host Palestinians affected by the ongoing war in Gaza. He said that Indonesia could receive around 1,000 people in the first phase. The plan includes helping the wounded, the orphaned, and those suffering from trauma due to the conflict.
Prabowo shared this update as he began his visit to several countries in the Middle East, including Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar. He said he had already directed Indonesia’s foreign minister to coordinate quickly with Palestinian officials and others to arrange the safe evacuation of affected individuals.
“We are ready to evacuate the wounded, the traumatized, the orphans,” said Prabowo. He explained that Indonesia will offer shelter until these people have recovered and the situation in Gaza becomes safe again for their return.
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest Muslim-majority countries and has long supported Palestine. It continues to send humanitarian aid and calls for a peaceful solution. The country has consistently pushed for a two-state resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The current war began in October 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israel launched a major military campaign. Palestinian officials say more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed so far.
Indonesia has spoken out strongly against the forced removal of Palestinians from Gaza. In February, its foreign ministry rejected any plan to permanently relocate Palestinians. This was seen as a response to suggestions from former U.S. President Donald Trump that Palestinians could be moved out of Gaza permanently.
President Prabowo said Indonesia wants to play a bigger role in helping solve the crisis. He admitted that this mission is not easy but said Indonesia remains committed. “Indonesia’s commitment in supporting the safety of Palestinians and their independence has pushed our government to act more actively,” he stated.
Last year, before officially becoming president, Prabowo had also expressed Indonesia’s willingness to send peacekeeping troops to Gaza if the situation required it.
With this latest step, Indonesia is positioning itself not only as a humanitarian supporter but also as an active voice in the international efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis. President Prabowo's visit to the Middle East is part of Indonesia's ongoing efforts to strengthen its diplomatic role and provide direct help to those suffering in Gaza.
