President Prabowo Pushes for Humanitarian Aid, 800 Tons of Logistics Sent to Gaza
Jakarta – The Chairman of the Indonesian National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS), Prof. Dr. KH. Noor Achmad, MA., announced that the Indonesian government is sending 800 tons of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza. This shipment is part of the Garuda Merah Putih II mission, which will coincide with the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence on August 17, 2025.
“We are ready. We were previously told about 800 tons, and we are ready to send even 1,000 tons, whether from Egypt or Jordan,” he said during the aid release at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base Operations, Jakarta.
A total of 80 tons of aid will be sent by air via airdrop in collaboration with the Garuda Merah Putih II Task Force, while the remainder will be distributed overland via Egypt and Jordan.
For the air route, two Indonesian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from Air Squadron 31 will depart from Jordan on August 17, with further airdrops on August 18, 19, and 20, 2025.
Prof. Noor Achmad emphasized that the aid delivery period is open from August 1 to 24, 2025. He stated that this opportunity is being optimally utilized thanks to the President of the Republic of Indonesia’s initiative, which he considered highly strategic.
“The President’s foresight in assisting the Palestinian people is extraordinary and we need to support this together,” he said.
Some of the BAZNAS (National Agency for Islamic Development) aid has already arrived in Egypt and Jordan. From Jordan, distribution was carried out via airdrop, while from Egypt, BAZNAS is collaborating with Bayt Zakat to ensure the entry of 50 container trucks through the Rafah border.
“We already have supplies in Egypt and Jordan; the only thing left is how to distribute them in Jordan. From Jordan, it must be via airdrop. Meanwhile, from Egypt, we are also continuing our efforts to bring in 50 container trucks in collaboration with Bayt Zakat via Rafah,” he said.
Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto explained that this humanitarian mission involves 66 joint personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), ministries/agencies, and national media.
“Task Force Garuda Merah Putih II is using two Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) Hercules 130J aircraft from Air Squadron 31 with a total of 66 personnel, consisting of TNI, ministries/agencies, and national media, who will distribute a total of 800 tons of humanitarian aid from BAZNAS (National Agency for Islamic Development) and food supplies from the Ministry of Defense,” he said.
Airdrop aid delivery was chosen because the land route in Gaza is very risky due to the blockade and threat of attack. This mission is part of an international humanitarian operation involving 10 countries and demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to providing direct support to the Palestinian people.
[w.R]
