Indonesian Hospital Bombed by Israel, the House of Representatives Urges Government to Protest

Gaza/ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Mohammed Ibrahim

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX of Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Netty Prasetiyani urged the Indonesian government to launch an open protest to Israel. This pressure arose because the Indonesian hospital in Gaza was hit by a bomb fired by Israel when it attacked Palestine.

"The government must make an open protest to Israel, because their attack also hit the location of the Indonesian hospital in Gaza, Palestine. The hospital was built with donations from the Indonesian people for humanitarian programs," said Netty in her statement, Thursday, October 12.

As reported, the Indonesian hospital which has been treating many victims in Gaza was hit by a bomb attack on its concentrate oxygen center and distributor pipes. According to Netty, in international law of war, health workers and health facilities must be protected and must be free from targets of attack.

"This case of the attack on the hospital no longer only concerns Palestine, but also concerns the dignity of the Indonesian people and humanity," stressed the PKS Party politician.

Netty assessed that the rocket attack on the hospital certainly affected its function as a health facility that cares for and treats sick people. "What will happen to the sick Palestinian people and victims of attacks if the function of hospitals is disrupted," she said.

Therefore, Netty asked the government to immediately evacuate Indonesian citizens at conflict points and provide trauma healing to victims, especially child victims.

"Immediately evacuate Indonesian citizens who are in the midst of conflict. The state must be present in protecting its people wherever they are. Apart from that, children exposed to conflict and war need optimal psychological support and assistance. Don't let the nation's generation grow up with memories of violence and war," said Netty.

Netty also encouraged the Indonesian government to continue playing its active role in ending Israel's colonization of Palestine. Moreover, Indonesia was re-elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council.

"Take this momentum to emphasize Indonesia's stance towards Israel by strongly condemning the attack and continuing to play an active role in ending Israel's occupation of Pestina," said the West Java legislator.