Indonesia has successfully airdropped 18 tonnes of humanitarian aid into Gaza, having received special permission from Israel for the operation. This delivery comes in response to a severe humanitarian crisis, as residents face starvation and emergency levels of hunger due to ongoing military actions in the region. The mission marks a significant milestone coinciding with Indonesia’s 80th independence anniversary, celebrated on August 17, 2023.
The aid package included essential items such as blankets, staple foods, ready-to-eat meals, and medicine. Frega Wenas Inkriwan, a representative from Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence, described the operation as a “special gift” from Indonesia. “This achievement marks a historic milestone,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of the aid delivery during this time of crisis.
Details of the Aid Mission
The airdrop was executed by the Indonesian military, in collaboration with the Royal Jordanian Air Force. Mission commander Puguh Julianto emphasized the importance of this humanitarian action, stating, “We celebrated the Independence Day, not only with ceremonies, but also with concrete humanitarian actions. Hopefully, this aid can ease the burden on our brothers and sisters in Gaza.” He noted that delivering aid via airdrops allows assistance to reach areas that are difficult to access by land.
As part of its ongoing commitment, Indonesia has planned to send a total of 800 tonnes of aid to Gaza. A second batch was reportedly dropped on Tuesday, with additional aid also being sent to Rafah in coordination with Egyptian charities. However, challenges remain, as Mokhamad Mahdun from Indonesia’s national zakat foundation indicated that only three out of five aid trucks were permitted to enter due to strict border security regulations.
The United Nations has highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where at least 500,000 people are on the brink of famine. The ongoing conflict exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, prompting calls for increased international support to address the urgent needs of the population.
Criticism and Calls for Action
While airdrops provide immediate relief, some experts critique their effectiveness. Amra Lee, a researcher at the Australian National University, described the airdrop efforts as “performative” and “inefficient.” She pointed out that airdrops often lack the ability to deliver sufficient supplies to those most in need. “Airdrops are very, very visual; I think they can make it look like you’re doing something, but they just can’t carry the supplies that are needed,” she explained. Lee advocates for the international community to exert pressure on Israel to facilitate larger-scale aid deliveries.
Indonesian authorities have long supported Palestinian humanitarian efforts, with calls for stronger actions against Israeli military actions in Gaza. Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat from the Centre of Economic and Law Studies in Jakarta stressed the need for Indonesia to advocate for more robust sanctions on Israel while promoting a just resolution to the conflict.
Last week, the Indonesian government faced criticism for proposing to use uninhabited land near Singapore to treat 2,000 Palestinians wounded in Gaza. Critics argue this plan reflects a controversial stance, reminiscent of earlier statements by former US President Donald Trump regarding the region’s future.
As Indonesia continues its humanitarian mission, the world watches closely, hoping for an effective resolution that addresses both immediate needs and long-term peace in the region.
