Indonesia has successfully airdropped 18 tonnes of humanitarian aid into Gaza, following special permission granted by Israel. This mission comes as the region grapples with severe food shortages and escalating humanitarian needs. The aid includes essential items such as blankets, staple foods, ready-to-eat meals, and medicine, aimed at alleviating the suffering of those affected by the ongoing crisis.
The operation coincided with Indonesia’s celebrations marking its 80th anniversary of independence, as the amount of aid—17.8 tonnes—symbolically represents the date of independence, August 17, 1945. Frega Wenas Inkriwan, an official from Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence, referred to the delivery as a “special gift,” underscoring the significance of this humanitarian effort.
Details of the Airdrop Mission
This airdrop was the first phase of a planned operation to deliver a total of 800 tonnes of aid to the people of Gaza. The Indonesian military collaborated with several international partners, with the operation led by the Royal Jordanian Air Force. Puguh Julianto, the mission commander from the Indonesian Air Force, stated, “We celebrated 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.”
The airdrops are considered a vital way to reach areas cut off from land access. Despite the challenges posed by the security situation and strict regulations at the Israeli-controlled border, aid deliveries were made to the region. Reports indicate that three out of five trucks carrying aid were permitted to enter, while the remaining two awaited clearance.
According to humanitarian organizations, at least half a million people in Gaza are on the brink of famine, with the rest facing emergency levels of hunger due to the ongoing conflict. Despite growing international calls for a ceasefire and increased aid access, the situation remains dire.
Criticism and Concerns Over Aid Delivery
While the airdrop has garnered attention, some experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of such operations. Amra Lee, a researcher from the Australian National University and former UN adviser, criticized aid airdrops as “performative” and “inefficient.” She noted that while airdrops create a strong visual impact, they often fail to meet the essential needs of the population.
“They seem to be inherently unsafe due to the manner in which they land there; it’s also very undignified and inefficient,” Lee explained. She emphasized the need for the international community to continue exerting pressure on Israel to facilitate aid at a scale sufficient to avert mass starvation.
Indonesia has a long-standing history of supporting Palestine through humanitarian efforts. Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat from the Centre of Economic and Law Studies in Jakarta highlighted the complexities surrounding Indonesia’s stance. He stated that while Indonesia has demonstrated commitment through its aid efforts, there are geopolitical considerations that influence its actions.
“Indonesia needs to push for stronger sanctions on Israel while advocating for a more just and lasting peace,” Rakhmat said.
Recent discussions in Indonesia have also faced criticism, particularly regarding a plan to use uninhabited land near Singapore to treat 2,000 Palestinians injured during the Israeli military offensive. Critics argue that this approach aligns with previous statements suggesting that the U.S. could transform the area into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” effectively preventing Palestinians from returning to Gaza.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to provide relief highlight both the urgency of the situation and the complexities of international diplomacy in addressing such conflicts.
