The Government Is Reminded To Be Careful In Relocation Of Gazans In The Midst Of The Israel-US Scenario

PHOTO OF WHO/DOK ILLUSTRATION/BP staff reviewing the damage at the Emirate Red Crescent Massacre Hospital in Rafah Gaza

Amnesty International Indonesia reminded the Indonesian government's plan to relocate thousands of Gazans who were injured by the Israeli zionist military aggression in Palestine to Galang Island, Batam, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia on the grounds that humanity is considered very risky.

"This plan must be handled critically," said Deputy Director of Amnesty International Indonesia Wirya Adiwena as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 11.

According to him, although the Indonesian government conveyed the policy on humanitarian grounds, if not careful, it is in line with the large scenario of Israel and the United States under the Donald Trump administration to facilitate the emptying of the Gaza Strip by moving 2 million citizens.

He emphasized that all forms of moving Palestinians from occupied areas outside of their volunteerism could be considered as war crimes. Indonesia must be careful, because the plan seems to want to support Israel's illegal population in Gaza.

Therefore, according to Wirya, Indonesia must reject plans and any efforts that allow emptying to occur. Indonesia's policy must be clear about humanity, not relocation.

"Essentially, stop the genocide and Israeli apartheid, permanent ceasefire, and open humanitarian channels to end acute hunger there. Not relocate them from their homes," he explained.

From a time perspective, Amnesty also questioned the government's decision. Because, actually, the plan to evacuate Gazans has been around since January, but has blew again after the trade negotiations between Indonesia and the United States were completed.

"And whether it is part of an agreement with Donald Trump's administration, which in February expressed the United States' desire to take over the Gaza Strip and suggested that two million Gazans be relocated to several neighboring countries," he explained.

Wirya explained, from the history of half of Palestinians, they were expelled from their territory after the 1948 Nakba incident. Gaza's population is now the second survivor and generation of survivors of the 1948 Nakba incident.

"Don't let Indonesia's desire to help Gazans actually support the occurrence of a new Nakba after the October 7, 2023 attack," he said.

In addition, with the uncertain situation in Gaza, Gazans who have been temporarily relocated to Indonesia have the potential to not be able to return so that the situation drags on.

Amnesty questioned whether Indonesia was ready to guarantee the fulfillment of their basic rights in the long term. In fact, until now there are still around 12,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Indonesia whose basic rights have not been fulfilled.

Previously, at the cabinet meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto gave directions for Indonesian government officials to provide medical assistance for around 2,000 Gazans who were victims of war.

Head of the Presidential Communication Office, Hasan Nasbi, said the government would prepare Galang Island as a medical center for Gazans.

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor of Riau Islands, Haris Pratamura, told the media that he fully supports the central government's plan to temporarily accommodate Gazans on the island to undergo medical treatment.