Speaking via video link, Subiyanto addressed the team stationed in Egypt, just 40 kilometers from the Gaza border, and commended their efforts in treating Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict.
“We are proud of you for helping our brothers and sisters in the conflict zone,” he said.
Colonel Komang Agus Wirawan, commander of the fourth Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) medical task force, reported that his team has been treating patients at the El Arish Floating Hospital in Egypt.
“Our main task is to provide medical care to Palestinians suffering from conflict-related injuries,” Komang said.
“We’ve treated 1,669 patients over the past month,” he said, adding that his team consists of six specialist doctors, 13 nurses, and six medical workers.
He further said that the most common cases involve orthopedic trauma from bomb blasts, including broken limbs and infected wounds, which require surgery and post-operative rehabilitation such as physiotherapy.
Subiyanto expressed his appreciation and encouraged the team to continue supporting displaced residents and those in temporary shelters.
He also reminded them to take care of their own health while on duty.
The interaction was part of the 2025 TNI Fair, held at Jakarta’s National Monument (Monas) from September 20–21, marking the lead-up to the Indonesian Armed Forces’ 80th anniversary on October 5.
Nationwide, TNI’s health campaign involved 80,000 blood donors, 80,000 general medical service recipients, 800 dental checkups, 800 child circumcisions, 800 cataract surgeries, eight cleft lip operations, and 800 participants in basic life support training—primarily targeting motorcycle taxi drivers.
Regarding the Palestinian cause, Indonesia’s commitment to it dates back to founding President Soekarno, who declared in 1962, “As long as the freedom of Palestine has yet to be returned to the Palestinians, it will forever be Indonesia’s duty to oppose Israel’s occupation.”
This stance continues to shape Jakarta’s foreign policy, underscoring its long-standing support for Palestinian independence.
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Translator: Nadia PR, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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