Indonesia Successfully Distributes Aid In Gaza Strip By Air

Simulation of distribution of aid to Gaza by air/PHOTO via Instagram @prabowo

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government has succeeded in distributing humanitarian aid to residents in the Gaza, Palestine route by air.

"Humanitarian assistance is a realization of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo, which was followed up by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the King of Jordan," said TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, April 10.

The Commander explained that assistance from the Indonesian government and people for Palestinians in Gaza had made it directly to Gaza via air by Hercules C130 J (A-1340) aircraft belonging to the Indonesian Air Force, which collaborated with the Jordanian army.

"There are 27 Indonesian contingents led by the Noto Aviation Colonel," he said.

The humanitarian assistance to Gaza that was deployed was in the form of aid packages as many as 20 packages weighing 160 kg each, departing from King Abdullah II (KA2) Airbase Airport (OJKA) in Zarqa, Jordan. The aid delivery was carried out using the low cost low altitude (LCLA) method on the KA2-SAS-KA2 route.

The delivery of aid via air is the result of diplomacy and good relations between Indonesia and Jordan through a collaboration driven by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Jordanian King Abdullah II who is an old friend.

On March 12, 2024 via telephone, Defense Minister Prabowo conveyed to King Abdullah II about President Jokowi's wish that Indonesia could send aid directly to Gaza.

After that, on March 21, Defense Minister Prabowo received an honorary visit from the Ambassador of Jordan to Indonesia Sudqi Al Omoush in the Ministry of Defense, Jakarta. On this occasion, an invitation was conveyed for Indonesia to participate in the operation to launch humanitarian aid to Gaza via air from King Abdullah II.

"Indonesia recognizes the eternal friendship with Jordan as the two countries remain committed to fostering world peace, especially in the Middle East, and increasing bilateral cooperation for prosperity and common welfare," Defense Minister Prabowo said at the meeting.