Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo announced that the Indonesian government would dispatch its first batch of humanitarian aid to Palestine.
"Indonesia will send humanitarian aid adjusted to the demands and needs of the Palestinians," said Jokowi. "The first batch will be deployed this week."
The statement was broadcast live following a limited meeting on the Palestine-Israel conflict chaired by Jokowi at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday. Several ministers, including Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD, attended the meeting.
Jokowi further explained that this aid was a collaborative effort involving the government, private sector and Indonesian society as a whole. He also condemned the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine, urging a ceasefire in the region.
"Indonesia's stance is clear and firm: we condemn the random attacks on civilian and civilian facilities in Gaza," the President said.
Aside from humanitarian assistance to Palestine, Indonesia is engaged in diplomatic efforts by continuing communication with the parties involved in the conflict.
In a related development, the foreign minister urged the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to demand an immediate ceasefire during a UNGA emergency session on Oct. 26.
Aside from pushing for investigations into the Israeli attacks, Retno also mentioned that Indonesia would triple its voluntary contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
"Indonesia is ready and will play its role," Retno said. "Indonesia will continue to stand with the people of Palestine."
Retno ended her statement by underlining the importance of addressing the root causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting the continuation of work toward the two-state solution.