The British newspaper The Guardian has reported on Indonesia’s deliberations to host and treat 2,000 wounded and ill Palestinians from Gaza, raising immediate concerns about safeguarding the Right of Return.
In a report prepared by journalist Kate Lamb, it was revealed that the Indonesian government is drafting plans to provide temporary medical assistance to Palestinians from war-torn Gaza. Senior officials disclosed that inter-ministerial discussions are underway, exploring the logistical, legal, and foreign policy implications of this highly sensitive proposal.
Earlier this month, Indonesia announced that it would extend temporary medical care to 2,000 Palestinians from Gaza, identifying Galang Island — an uninhabited territory south of Singapore — as a possible site. Galang was once home to a Vietnamese refugee camp and later housed a hospital for epidemic treatment.
Indonesia — a Muslim-majority nation that has no formal diplomatic relations with the Israeli occupation and has long been a staunch supporter of Palestine — has refrained from releasing concrete details, stating only that Galang remains one of several options under study.
High-Level Government Deliberations
Signaling the seriousness of the plan, The Guardian reported that several ministries — including the Coordinating Ministry for Security, as well as the Health and Foreign Affairs ministries — have convened to discuss potential implementation.
Dave Laksono, Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Parliament’s First Commission on Defense and Foreign Affairs, explained that discussions revolved around logistical feasibility, medical readiness, and legal frameworks. He confirmed the commission had also been briefed on the strategic implications, particularly with respect to Indonesia’s foreign policy stance and regional stability.
Laksono clarified that the proposals are still “exploratory.” Galang was highlighted for its humanitarian history and existing infrastructure, but other sites are also under review, including facilities in West Java and Central Java, located closer to major hospitals and logistical centers.
According to officials familiar with the talks, alternatives even include the use of large military hospitals in Jakarta or possibly a site in Jordan — a country with especially strong ties to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Political Sensitivities: Right of Return at the Core
Indonesian officials acknowledge that the plan carries serious political sensitivities. Some Islamic leaders within government circles have warned against being “deceived” by Israeli schemes, questioning the guarantees for Palestinians’ eventual return.
Abdul Kadir Jailani, Director General for Asia, Pacific, and Africa at the Foreign Ministry, stressed that no final decision has been made regarding Galang. He underlined the importance of respecting Palestinians’ Right of Return, noting:
“We know that many are concerned this type of policy could be interpreted otherwise. We must ensure it aligns with international humanitarian law and especially with the Right of Return.”
Jailani further emphasised that Indonesia would not proceed without the support of Palestinian authorities and regional states, recognising the high level of political and technical complexity involved.
Humanitarian Actions Already Underway
Indonesia has already carried out its second humanitarian airdrop over Gaza within two days this week, coordinated with Jordan. Jailani confirmed that the airlift was conducted with Amman’s direct support.
Meanwhile, Axios reported in July that a senior Mossad intelligence official visited Washington seeking U.S. backing to convince nations to accept displaced Gazans. Indonesia was mentioned among several potential states. Any suggestion of permanent resettlement, however, would be extremely controversial in Indonesia — though public criticism of the Gaza plan has so far remained muted.
Political analyst Kennedy Muslim explained:
“At present, Gaza is not dominating Indonesia’s headlines. There are many pressing domestic issues, so media coverage of Gaza has been limited. It is not a primary issue in Indonesia right now.”
Temporary Medical Aid, Not Resettlement
Parliamentarian Laksono reiterated that any acceptance of Gazans would be strictly temporary, coordinated with bodies such as UNRWA and the International Committee of the Red Cross to establish clear documentation, medical records, and repatriation protocols.
“Our goal is to provide care — not resettlement. We fully support their eventual return once conditions in Gaza allow,” he said. “This is a delicate mission, and we are fully aware of the geopolitical sensitivities involved.”
