REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian government sends humanitarian aid to Gazans, Palestinians, using KRI dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992. The hospital ship carried aid in the form of food to tents that came from Indonesians.

Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto took off directly from the ship's departure at Kolinlamil Pier, North Jakarta, Thursday (18/1/2024) morning. On board the ship were a number of soldiers from the AL Army who were part of the Muhibah/Port Visit Task Force to Egypt 2024. The task force was led by Army First Admiral S. Bimo Aji.

“This delivery of humanitarian aid is proof that we continue to support the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-defense, the struggle for independence,” Prabowo told media crews after departing the ship.

According to the official press release of TNI AL, the aid carried by the ship was in the form of foodstuffs, blankets, clothes, baby supplies, women's clothing, milk, field tents, hygiene supplies, mineral water, worship supplies, and so on.

All humanitarian aid for Gazans who are victims of the Israeli military offensive comes from Indonesians. Prabowo said most of the aid was collected by the National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas), the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) zakat agency, and a number of other aid agencies.

The ship carrying Indonesian humanitarian aid will depart for Al Arish Port in Egypt. After that, the aid will be channeled to the victims of the Gaza conflict by authorities such as the Egyptian Red Crescent.

Prabowo said the ship carrying Indonesian people's aid went straight back to Indonesia after dropping off the aid. The ship has not been able to rest for a long time in Egypt to function as a field hospital to provide medical services to Gazans. The Egyptian government has not given permission.

“We are still negotiating whether they can stay there to serve, but because of the consequences of some things it is possible to return after the arrival of assistance,” Prabowo said.

The ship's voyage was to pass through the Jakarta—Belawan—Al Arish route. It then returned to Indonesia on the Al Arish—Jeddah—Batam route. The total travel time to return to Indonesia is targeted to be around 52 days.

Prabowo said the task of the Muhiba Task Force to bring humanitarian aid to ports in Egypt was quite dangerous. Because the ships they are carrying will pass through the war zone, namely in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea.

“Now there is an open war raging [in the Gulf of Aden]. We as a country that say we support Palestine, we do not feel that we have enemies with Yemen and we also as a non-aligned country (are) well connected with some of the countries that are there,” Prabowo said.

In addition, he continued, the government has also coordinated with the state government around the Red Sea. On the other hand, he said, the soldiers of the AL army who were tasked with bringing the aid were in good moral condition and also disciplined. “We pray all that Indonesian children who are leaving are protected by the Almighty,” he said.

Prabowo added that the Indonesian government and people will not stop providing aid to the people of Gaza. “In the coming opportunity we intend to send airplanes to transport aid, send ships and help constantly, they are in dire need,” the Indonesian presidential candidate said.