Speaking in Jakarta on Monday, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar said Indonesia would use its position on the board to strengthen both political and humanitarian support for the Palestinian people.
“If much of our aid faces obstacles on its way to Gaza, we need to find other avenues to ensure our assistance truly reaches those in need,” he said.
Iskandar expressed confidence that Indonesia’s membership in the multilateral body could allow the country to operate more effectively in Gaza and explore more efficient ways to distribute aid beyond aerial drops.
He added that President Prabowo had demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting Palestine through active bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, including his participation in the first Board of Peace summit in Washington last month.
“The president has visited several countries to broaden Indonesia’s access to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and Palestine in general. This step is necessary, considering data indicating that less than 30 percent of aid shipments reach their destination,” the minister said.
Apart from supporting the Palestinian cause, Iskandar noted that Indonesia’s role in the Board of Peace is also expected to contribute to national economic growth, pointing to Indonesia’s ongoing trade relations with the United States, the initiator of the board.
“National interests remain our top priority. We want to ensure that our industries continue to grow and that Indonesia maintains a trade surplus with the United States,” he said.
He also called on the public to trust the government’s policy regarding Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace.
“The president cannot disclose all details of diplomatic efforts. However, I assure the public that this policy is designed to protect national industries and economic interests while strengthening support for Gaza and Palestine,” he said.
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Translator: Anita Permata, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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