SEAToday.com, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has embarked on a diplomatic mission to five Middle Eastern countries—United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan—to seek support for Indonesia’s plan to evacuate 1,000 Palestinians from Gaza.

Speaking at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta before departing for Abu Dhabi early Wednesday, Prabowo said Indonesia would proceed only if all involved parties agree to the proposal.

“The condition is that all parties must approve. Secondly, this is temporary—once they recover and conditions in Gaza improve, they must return to their homeland,” he said as quoted on Antara.

Prabowo emphasized that the mission aims to consult regional leaders directly amid ongoing calls from international actors for Indonesia to play a more active role, given its status as a non-aligned nation and the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.

“Indonesia is seen as acceptable to all conflicting sides. This position brings responsibility, and we are ready to contribute within our capacity,” he added as quoted on Antara.

Under the plan, Indonesia would initially receive 1,000 evacuees—primarily the wounded, traumatized individuals, and orphans. The government is prepared to deploy aircraft to transport them.

The plan is still under discussion with the Palestinian authorities. Foreign Minister Sugiono has been assigned to lead talks with Palestinian officials.

Indonesia has already sent aid to Gaza, including food, medical supplies, clean water, and clothing. Humanitarian assistance has been delivered via Egypt’s El Arish and through joint air drops with Jordanian forces. Indonesia also deployed a hospital ship, KRI dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat, to provide medical services.

Indonesian military medical personnel continue to serve in Gaza and El Arish, supporting facilities operated by the UAE. Prabowo acknowledged the risks they face, noting that hospitals have come under fire.

“I thank our military health corps personnel serving in dangerous conditions,” he said as quoted on Antara.

The presidential aircraft PK-GRD departed Jakarta at 1:00 a.m. local time, carrying Prabowo, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. The delegation is expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi around 6:00 a.m. local time.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas