Indonesia has successfully airdropped 18 tonnes of humanitarian aid into Gaza, receiving special permission from Israel for this mission. The delivery, which includes essential items such as blankets, staple foods, ready-to-eat meals, and medicine, comes as the region faces a severe starvation crisis. This significant act of support coincided with Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations on August 17, marking the country’s 80th year of sovereignty.
The first mission was described as a “special gift” from Indonesia. According to Frega Wenas Inkriwan from the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, this achievement represents a historic milestone for the nation. “This achievement marks a historic milestone and serves as a special gift coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia,” he stated. The Indonesian military collaborated with the Royal Jordanian Air Force to facilitate the drop, emphasizing the importance of providing aid to those in need.
Puguh Julianto, the mission commander from the Indonesian Air Force, expressed hope that the aid would alleviate the suffering of those in Gaza. “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,” Julianto noted. The use of airdrops allows for the delivery of supplies to areas that are otherwise inaccessible by land.
The Indonesian government plans to send a total of 800 tonnes of aid, with additional shipments already underway. A second batch was dropped on Tuesday, reflecting Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to support the people of Gaza. Alongside these airdrops, Indonesian authorities are also coordinating with Egyptian charities to deliver aid to regions like Rafah.
Challenges remain, however, as noted by Mokhamad Mahdun from the national zakat foundation, who highlighted the difficulties posed by security regulations at the border under Israeli military control. “Three out of five trucks carrying aid were allowed to enter, while the other two were still waiting for clearance,” Mahdun reported, underlining the complexities of delivering aid in such a volatile environment.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with at least half a million people on the brink of famine due to ongoing military action. Despite increasing international calls to cease hostilities and facilitate aid deliveries, Israel maintains its military operations in the region.
The Indonesian Air Force deployed a C-130J Super Hercules from an air base in Jordan for this mission. Other countries, including the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belgium, have also contributed by airdropping aid into Gaza, reflecting a collective international effort to address the humanitarian crisis.
Criticism has emerged regarding the effectiveness of airdrops. Amra Lee, a researcher from the Australian National University and former adviser to the UN on humanitarian relief and conflict resolution, described airdrops as “performative” and “inefficient.” She raised concerns about the safety and dignity of such operations, noting that they often fail to deliver sufficient supplies or reach the most vulnerable populations. “Airdrops are 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,” Lee stated.
In light of these challenges, some experts argue that Indonesia and the international community should intensify their efforts to advocate for a more effective resolution to the crisis. Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat from the Centre of Economic and Law Studies in Jakarta suggested that Indonesia could play a more assertive role in pushing for stronger sanctions against Israel while promoting a just and lasting peace in the region.
The recent announcement by the Indonesian government to use uninhabited land near Singapore for treating 2,000 Palestinians wounded during the conflict has also drawn criticism. Some observers view this plan as potentially undermining the rights of Palestinians to return to Gaza, aligning with sentiments expressed earlier this year by former President Donald Trump regarding geopolitical developments in the region.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, Indonesia’s humanitarian initiatives highlight both the urgency of the crisis and the complexities of international aid efforts amidst ongoing conflict.
