Indonesia Shines: 5 Powerful Steps to Shelter Gaza’s Orphaned & Wounded Victims

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced that Indonesia is ready to temporarily host Palestinians impacted by the ongoing war in Gaza, particularly focusing on the wounded and orphaned children. Ahead of his official visits to several Middle Eastern countries, he emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to humanitarian efforts by offering immediate evacuation support. The first phase is expected to bring in around 1,000 victims, with military planes prepared for transport.

The initiative will be coordinated through Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry in partnership with Palestinian and regional authorities. Prabowo clarified that the shelter would be temporary, only lasting until the victims recover and can safely return home. This move comes as nearly 400,000 people have been displaced since Israel resumed military operations in Gaza, according to the UN. Indonesia, as the largest Muslim-majority nation, continues to support a two-state solution and peace in the region.

The President’s gesture also reflects strengthening diplomatic ties with countries like Turkey, which has shown strong support for the Palestinian cause.

Indonesia Shines: 5 Powerful Steps to Shelter Gaza’s Orphaned & Wounded Victims

On April 9, 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a heartfelt announcement: Indonesia is prepared to provide temporary shelter to Palestinians affected by the devastating conflict in Gaza. The decision, revealed ahead of the President’s diplomatic tour across the Middle East, underscores Indonesia’s commitment to humanitarian aid. Prabowo emphasized that the initiative will prioritize evacuating injured individuals and children who have lost parents or suffered severe trauma due to the violence.

“We are mobilizing planes to evacuate approximately 1,000 people in the initial phase,” Prabowo stated. He clarified that the assistance is temporary and that those brought to Indonesia will return home once their health improves and conditions in Gaza stabilize. The President also directed Indonesia’s Foreign Minister to collaborate closely with Palestinian officials and regional allies to ensure a smooth evacuation process.

This move comes amid alarming reports from the United Nations, which estimates nearly 400,000 people in Gaza have been displaced since Israel resumed military operations following the collapse of a ceasefire. The escalating violence has deepened the humanitarian crisis, leaving hospitals overwhelmed, infrastructure destroyed, and countless families without shelter or basic necessities.

A Nation’s Compassionate Response

As the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and supported a two-state solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Prabowo’s announcement aligns with this longstanding stance, reflecting Indonesia’s desire to take tangible action amid global calls for peace.

The evacuation plan highlights Indonesia’s focus on aiding the most vulnerable. Orphaned children, many of whom have witnessed unimaginable violence, will receive psychological support and care during their stay. Medical teams are also preparing to treat those with severe injuries, ensuring access to advanced healthcare facilities unavailable in Gaza’s war-torn environment.

Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Partnerships

President Prabowo’s upcoming trip to the Middle East—including stops in the UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan—aims to strengthen regional cooperation on the Gaza crisis. A key moment of the tour will be his address to Turkey’s parliament, a rare honor that underscores the close ties between the two nations. Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been a vocal supporter of Palestine, advocating for international intervention and condemning the violence.

Earlier this year, Erdoğan visited Indonesia to bolster economic and diplomatic relations. His trip laid the groundwork for collaborative efforts, including potential joint humanitarian projects. Prabowo’s upcoming speech in Turkey is expected to reinforce shared goals, such as urging the international community to prioritize ceasefire negotiations and long-term solutions for Palestinian statehood.

Challenges and Logistics

While Indonesia’s offer has been widely praised, logistical challenges remain. Coordinating evacuations from an active conflict zone requires meticulous planning, including securing safe passage through border checkpoints and obtaining airspace approvals. Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry is working with Egypt, which controls the Rafah border crossing—Gaza’s primary access point to the outside world—to facilitate the movement of evacuees.

Additionally, Indonesia must prepare temporary housing, healthcare services, and trauma counseling for the arrivals. The government has begun mobilizing resources, partnering with local NGOs and international agencies like the Red Cross to ensure evacuees receive comprehensive support.

A Temporary Haven, Not a Permanent Solution

President Prabowo stressed that Indonesia’s assistance is not a long-term resettlement program. “Our goal is to provide immediate relief while advocating for a sustainable peace process,” he said. “These individuals deserve to return to a safe and sovereign homeland.” The statement echoes Indonesia’s broader diplomatic strategy, which emphasizes sovereignty and self-determination for Palestine.

The temporary shelter initiative has sparked hope among international observers, who view it as a model for other nations to follow. However, critics argue that without stronger global pressure to end the conflict, such efforts—though noble—address symptoms rather than root causes.

Global Reactions and the Path Forward

The international community has responded with a mix of applause and calls for broader action. Arab nations, including Qatar and Jordan, have praised Indonesia’s move, while European leaders are urging similar gestures of solidarity. The United Nations has reiterated demands for an immediate ceasefire and increased aid access to Gaza, where shortages of food, water, and medicine have reached catastrophic levels.

For Indonesia, the evacuation plan is part of a larger ambition to amplify its voice on the global stage. By combining humanitarian aid with diplomatic advocacy, the nation seeks to position itself as a leader in conflict resolution and a champion for marginalized communities.

As President Prabowo embarks on his Middle East tour, the world watches closely. His meetings with regional leaders will likely address not only Gaza’s immediate crisis but also strategies to revive peace talks that have stalled for years. For now, Indonesia’s pledge to shelter Gaza’s wounded and orphaned children shines as a beacon of compassion in a region overshadowed by despair.

Conclusion

Indonesia’s decision to open its doors to Gaza’s most vulnerable reflects a powerful blend of empathy and diplomacy. By prioritizing children and the injured, the nation sends a clear message: even in times of global inaction, solidarity can save lives. While challenges persist, this initiative offers a glimmer of hope—and a reminder that the path to peace begins with collective humanity.