August 7, 2025 | 11:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that the government is preparing alternative locations to accommodate Palestinian refugees from Gaza who are planned to receive treatment in Indonesia, one of which is on Galang Island, Riau Islands.
"We are still searching. Yesterday, the President mentioned Galang Island. We are also currently exploring it because it was previously used for COVID treatment. So the infrastructure is already there. Then we are also looking at other alternatives," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in a brief interview in Jakarta, Thursday, August 7, 2025, as quoted by Antara.
Sugiono stated that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has conveyed to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that Indonesia is open to providing medical care to the people of Gaza, provided that all parties agree to it.
"We are willing to treat up to a thousand children or injured victims in need of medical care, of course, with the approval of all relevant parties, from neighboring countries, directly, Jordan, Egypt, and of course, the Palestinian authorities themselves," said Sugiono.
Sugiono stated that the planned number of Gaza residents to be treated in Indonesia is around 1,000 people, with the possibility that their family members will also accompany them. Sugiono said when asked how many people would be treated in Indonesia.
Earlier on the same day, President Prabowo Subianto instructed Indonesia to provide medical treatment for around 2,000 Gaza residents who became victims of war, with the planned location of medical services on Galang Island, Riau Islands.
"Regarding Gaza, yesterday the President also instructed Indonesia to provide medical treatment for around 2,000 Gaza residents who became victims of war. Those who are injured, who suffered what, maybe got bombed, affected by the rubble and all sorts," said the Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi.
He said the Galang Island healthcare facilities were chosen because they are considered adequate for these needs. The island had previously been used as a refugee camp and a center for managing the pandemic.
Last April, Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Anwar Abbas questioned the idea of President Prabowo Subianto planning to accommodate Palestinian residents from Gaza in Indonesia.
Anwar was puzzled, considering the plan to evacuate Palestinian residents from Gaza was an idea of U.S. President Donald Trump, supported by Israel.
"The question is, why is Indonesia also following and supporting the plans of Israel and America?" Anwar said.
Anwar touched on the desire of Israel and the U.S. to evacuate Gaza so that Israel could more freely occupy and control the area. Thus, it is clear, Anwar said, that Israel could place its citizens in Gaza that they have occupied.
Anwar expressed concern that, in a certain time frame, Gaza would become part of Greater Israel, which the U.S. and Israel have longed for. For example, he mentioned what happened in Jerusalem.
Savero Aristia Wienanto also contributed to this article
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