Indonesia Prepares Naval Aid for Palestine Conflict
In a significant move to support peace efforts in Palestine, the Indonesian Navy is set to deploy a hospital ship and troops as part of its commitment to the Board of Peace (BoP). Admiral Muhammad Ali announced on Thursday that the Navy is prioritizing the dispatch of one hospital ship, with a second vessel on standby. This initiative aims to assist in humanitarian efforts amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Deployment Plans and Troop Involvement
Admiral Ali confirmed that the deployment of the hospital ship will coincide with the mobilization of troops specializing in construction engineering and health services. The exact number of personnel to be sent is still pending approval from the TNI Headquarters. Earlier, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi indicated that around 8,000 TNI personnel could be involved in the peacekeeping mission.
While the Rafah region has been mentioned as a potential deployment site, Hadi clarified that no final decision has been made yet. He emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “If an agreement is reached, we must send peacekeeping troops as a commitment.” This mission reflects Indonesia’s dedication to the Palestinian cause, particularly in advocating for Palestinian independence and alleviating the suffering of those in Gaza.
Commitment to Humanitarian Aid and Peacekeeping
Indonesia’s participation in the BoP, alongside seven other Muslim-majority nations, aims to help de-escalate the conflict and improve humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. Hadi expressed hope that the efforts would facilitate the entry of food aid into Gaza, easing the burden on its residents. “At the very least, we hope to de-escalate the conflict in Gaza,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the inaugural BoP Summit is scheduled for February 19, 2026. President Prabowo Subianto has received an invitation to attend, although his participation has yet to be confirmed. This summit represents a crucial step in Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping efforts and support for Palestine.
