Jakarta, IO – Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto accompanied President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo during a ceremony to send Indonesian humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people, at Halim Perdanakusuma AFB, Jakarta, Saturday (4/11).
Also in attendance were Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and State Secretary Pratikno. The president and his entourage arrived at the air base at 08.43am WIB and were greeted the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Al Shun.
“Thank God, this morning, Indonesian aid for the Palestinian people will immediately depart for El Arish Airport, Egypt, then it will be transported to Gaza,” said Jokowi.
He said was the first batch to be sent using three Air Force aircrafts comprising two Hercules C-130 with tail number A-1327 operated by Air Squadron 31 and Hercules A-1328 operated by Air Squadron 32.
“Today’s shipment contains 51.5 tons of aid in the form of food, medical equipment, blankets, tents and other logistical items to meet the needs of people in Gaza,” added Jokowi.
On this occasion, President Jokowi reiterated that the humanitarian aid was a manifestation of solidarity and concern on the part of the Indonesian people. “The humanitarian tragedy in Gaza is unacceptable and must be stopped as soon as possible,” said Jokowi.
“I want to emphasize again that Indonesia will continue to support the struggle of the Palestinian people.”
Read: A CPO BOURSE: Challenges And Opportunities
After arriving in Egypt, the aid will be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent for further distribution to Gaza through two humanitarian agencies operating in Gaza, namely the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
A number of TNI-Polri officials also accompanied Jokowi at the ceremony, including TNI Commander Adm. Yudo Margono; National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit; Army Chief of Staff Gen. Agus Subiyanto; Chief of the Naval Staff Adm. Muhammad Ali and Chief of the Air Staff ACM Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo.