Defense Minister: Government Still Negotiates Field Hospital Operations For Palestinian Refugees In Egypt

Defense Minister Prabowo during the release of KRI Dr. Radjiman, Thursday 18 January (doc Gerindra)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Defense Minister (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto revealed that the Indonesian government is negotiating the operation permit for the TNI Hospital Ship to help Palestinians in Egypt.

Prabowo said the Republic of Indonesia would send more aid to Palestine by plane and the TNI ship to be prepared.

This was conveyed by Prabowo after releasing the ship at the KNI KRI hospital, dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat 992 to send basic assistance and medicines to Palestine in Kolinlamil, Jakarta, Thursday, January 18.

"I don't think we will stop helping and sending via airplanes as well and ships again," Prabowo said.

Although until now negotiations for licensing for the operation of ships at the TNI Hospital in Egypt are still in process, Prabowo chose to prioritize sending logistical assistance and health assistance to Palestine.

"Yes, we are preparing everything, what we are implementing is logistical assistance and health assistance," he continued.

Prabowo explained the reason why the operation permit for the TNI Hospital had not yet been issued by Egypt. Namely, due to concerns over pressures from the government and local residents in Egypt. In particular, the concern that the operation of the TNI Hospital ship in Egypt will be an escape place for Palestinians.

"We have to understand the pressures experienced by the surrounding governments. They are worried that later the Gazans will be expelled in their hometowns and they cross to Egypt and finally the Palestinians are expelled again, that's their concern, our ship is an escape for them," Prabowo explained.

Nevertheless, Prabowo ensured that the Indonesian government would continue to be committed and seek to negotiate to help the Palestinian people.

"Well, now we are negotiating sending field hospitals (hospitals on land), we must also negotiate with all parties there for hospital ships (operating in Egypt). I think so," he concluded.