"My hope is that this pilot training program can be implemented as soon as possible and Palestinian youths can take this opportunity to have career as commercial pilots and ultimately can help their families. Hopefully, this small support can ease some of their miseries," Septo said.
The registration of the pilot scholarship program is open until 31 July 2018 and the selection process will be conducted in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Amman.
According to Septo, information about the pilot scholarship has been disseminated to Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and those who live in refugee camps.
"Those who are accepted to participate in the scholarship program will be educated to be commercial pilots or "from Zero to Hero". And they are expected to will work in Indonesian or international airline companies," Septo said.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to Jordan, Andy Rachmianto, welcomed the the pilot scholarship program and appreciated the spirit of Indonesian people who help Palestinians.
"We live in the border areas with Palestine. Every day, we read, hear, and witness violence and oppressions over Palestinian people, and we share the pain and the difficulties they are facing," Ambassador Andy said.
Therefore, he continued, the Government of Indonesia highly appreciates every initiative and positive steps taken by individuals or institutions in providing Palestinians with aid programs.
Ambassador Andy added that Indonesia will continue to be at the forefront in supporting Palestinians.
"We do not only support Palestinians in their efforts to achieve their independence, but also to build the nation. Since its election to be a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2019-2020, Indonesia make the issue of Palestine a priority," he stressed.
Since 2008, the Government of Indonesia has provided capacity building assistance to more than 1,800 Palestinians through 158 programs with a value of more than US$10 million.
The scholarship program provided by Perkasa Flying School is expected to be followed by individuals and other institutions in Indonesia to prepare Palestine as an independent nation.
Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and assisting Palestine at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of CEAPAD III (Conference among East Asian Countries for Palestine) in Bangkok, Thailand on June 26-27, 2018 .
The meeting has resulted in a Joint Statement which essentially contains deep concerns about the situation in Palestine, and a commitment to strengthening coordination among member states to improve the effectiveness of assistance for Palestinians.
In the meeting which is held in every three years, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi conveyed the country`s commitment in the Three Year Plan of CEAPAD 2019-2021 to provide Palestine with assistance worth US$2 million in the form of capacity building programs on irrigation, agriculture, economic development, information technology and communications, training on Interpol, and scholarships for various levels of education at universities, including scholarships for Palestinian young people to become commercial pilots.
Reporter: Libertina W. Ambari
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
