Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After the Send-Off Ceremony of Humanitarian Aid to Palestine, at Indonesian Air Force Base, Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta, November 4, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

This aid will be dispatched soon from here (Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base) using two aircrafts carrying 21 tons. As for the rest, it will be sent via the larger cargo aircraft from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport carrying around 30-something tons. From here, it will be transported through Jeddah. In Jeddah, we will stop and wait in line to enter El Arish, okay?  From El Arish, it will be taken to Gaza. And also, the aid items that are being distributed are tailored to the needs of Gaza. For example, we have prepared drinking water purifiers, as they are facing difficulties with clean water. Medical equipment, which is very important and required by hospitals in Gaza, is also prepared, apart from staple foods, including medicines. Likewise, medicines are also adapted, those of which do not require difficult storage, such as cold storage and so on. Yes, I think that’s it.

Reporter:

When will the second batch of aid be delivered, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

We see that there is high enthusiasm of the society, civil society organizations, and the business world. There are many who want to channel aid, so the Government will coordinate it because entering there is also not easy, while it is easier if managed by the Government. So, we will be open and we look forward to the second batch of aid as soon as possible, okay.

Reporter:

Yesterday you also visited Mr. Luhut, did not you?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Oh yes, yesterday I went straight from Balikpapan and stopped in Singapore to visit Mr. Luhut and Alhamdulillah his condition was  getting better. We hope he will get well and recover soon, and return to his activities. And, I also visited Mrs. Pramono Anung at a different hospital.  That’s it.

Reporter:

Thank you Sir.

(RY/MUR)