"The (Indonesian) government stands with Palestine. The president has asked to continue echoing this stance to the public," Minister Qoumas stated after a meeting with President Jokowi at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Monday.
Qoumas also said that the head of state had instructed him to explore alternative assistance that can be given to Palestine to complement the humanitarian aid delivered by Indonesia to the Palestinian people in Gaza on Saturday (November 4).
"Not merely voicing our support, but the president also pushed for taking other concrete actions in addition to delivering the aid. The Religious Affairs Ministry was urged to find alternatives to build solidarity with the people," he noted.
The minister then confirmed that Indonesia would send another batch of aid for the people of Palestine.
Related news: Saving Palestine becomes part of implementing constitution: MPR
Earlier, on Saturday, President Jokowi personally sent off Indonesian humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza that comprised medical equipment, food, and other logistics, weighing 51.5 tons in total.
"This is a manifestation of Indonesian solidarity, the nation's care about humanity because the humanitarian tragedy happening in Gaza is unacceptable and must be ended immediately," he stated during the sending off ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta.
The aid was transported by three aircraft, namely two C-130 Hercules planes, with registration numbers A-1327 and A-1328, of the Indonesian Air Force and a Boeing 737 plane of Garuda Indonesia chartered by the National Police (Polri).
In his speech, the president reiterated that Indonesia would always stand by the side of the people of Palestine.
On the same occasion, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al Shun, commended Indonesia for aiding the people in Gaza.
"We are genuinely proud of your people, your government. Whatever the aid is, whatever the support is, will be more than enough for Palestine. Indonesia, as stated by His Excellency (President Jokowi), will always stand with Palestine and will not leave us alone," he remarked.
Related news: Egyptian Red Crescent delivering Indonesia's aid for Palestine to Gaza
Translator: Indra Arief, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
