Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta Affirms No Discourse On Relocation Of Gazans To Indonesia

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Wamenlu) Anis Matta emphasized that there was never any discussion about the plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Indonesia.

The statement was made after a media outlet from the United States revealed speculation regarding the discourse at the end of last week. Anis Matta stressed that until now, there has been no official discussion regarding the relocation, even though the issue had surfaced.

"Until now, there has been no discussion regarding the relocation of Gazans. Recovery currently taking place in Gaza cannot be used as an excuse to relocate," said Deputy Foreign Minister Anies Mata, Wednesday, January 22.

Regarding assistance for Palestine, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Indonesia was coordinating with various parties to send humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

"We are coordinating technically regarding the distribution of aid. However, at this time I have not been able to provide further details regarding the delivery of the aid," he said.

Previously, NBC News reported that one of the United States officials involved in the transition of Donald Trump's administration said that Indonesia was one of the places considered for the relocation of some Gazans. However, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately responded by confirming that there were no such plans.

"Indonesia has never received any information or plans regarding the relocation of Gazans to Indonesia," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its official broadcast.

The Indonesian government also reminded that the plan to relocate Gazans would be in line with Israel's goal of expelling the Palestinian people and strengthening illegal occupations in the Palestinian territories.

"Indonesia remains steadfast in its position to oppose any attempt to remove Gazans from their homeland," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.