By : JD News Desk
Jordan Daily – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has proposed temporarily sheltering around 1,000 Palestinians from Gaza, including the wounded, orphaned, and traumatized, as part of a humanitarian push during his ongoing Middle East tour, sparking mixed reactions at home and abroad.
Speaking in Turkey’s parliament on Thursday, Prabowo called for global action to address Gaza’s crisis, criticizing inaction on civilian attacks. The former general, who assumed office in October 2024, said Indonesia would provide refuge until Gaza stabilizes, emphasizing coordination with the Palestinian Authority and regional partners.
His tour, which began on April 9, includes stops in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan to discuss Gaza and advocate for Indonesia’s role in conflict resolution.
The proposal follows escalating Israeli aggression on Gaza, with nearly 400,000 displaced since recent aggression, according to UN figures. Prabowo’s plan builds on Indonesia’s long-standing support for Palestine, previously voiced by his predecessor Joko Widodo, who in 2023 urged U.S. President Joe Biden for an immediate ceasefire.
In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, Prabowo’s offer has drawn both praise and skepticism. The Indonesian House of Representatives backed the initiative, seeing it as a boost to Jakarta’s global humanitarian stature. Supporters view it as fulfilling Prabowo’s pledge for a bolder foreign policy.
However, the influential Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) opposed the plan, warning it could inadvertently align with agendas favoring Palestinian displacement. “We fear this risks supporting external narratives,” an MUI spokesperson said.
Analysts reflect the split, with some praising Prabowo’s compassion and others questioning logistics and geopolitical implications.
Regionally, Turkey suggests openness to his stance, though Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan have yet to comment publicly. Analysts say Middle Eastern states are cautious, balancing their own Gaza policies.
Globally, human rights groups expressed concern that evacuation, even if temporary, could be seen as displacement under international law, which deems forced transfers from war zones coercive. Others called the move pragmatic given Gaza’s dire conditions. Western governments have remained largely silent, while UN agencies have not issued formal statements.
Prabowo, who earlier floated sending peacekeepers to Gaza under a UN mandate, reiterated Indonesia’s support for a two-state solution.
In Ankara, he condemned ceasefire violations, including aid blockages, echoing Indonesia’s foreign ministry stance.
As Prabowo continues his tour, meeting Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Friday, his Gaza proposal underscores Indonesia’s ambition to carve a larger role in global crises, though its execution remains filled with challenges.
