Indonesia has scaled up its humanitarian operations. The country is airdropping food and medicine to Gaza, where 1.1 million people risk imminent starvation. The mission brought 17.8 tonnes of vital assistance, from blankets to staple foods to ready-made meals and medicine. This initiative would be a historic move as Indonesia observes its 80th anniversary of independence. The Indonesian military worked in partnership with the Royal Jordanian Air Force to synchronize the operation. They deployed a rehabilitated Indonesian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules, which made a unique mission from an air base in Jordan.
The humanitarian crisis developing in Gaza is dire. Israel’s uninterrupted military campaign now threatens at least half a million people with imminent famine, according to reports. Three-quarters of the country’s population faces emergency levels of hunger, leading to desperate pleas for international aid. Humanitarian agencies have said only three out of five trucks loaded with aid managed to get into Gaza. In the meantime, two trucks continue to sit under risk of deteriorating.
Challenges of Delivering Aid
It has been extremely difficult to deliver that aid into Gaza. There were a number of hurdles that the Indonesian government had to overcome. These were rooted in security procedures and rules imposed by Israeli military occupation at the border. Mokhamad Mahdun, director at Indonesia’s national zakat foundation BAZNAS, stressed that their mission was not a walk in the park. He mused on the difficulties in providing relief to those with the highest need.
All that being said, the operation was carried out successfully on all counts. An unbroken, long awaited bond Indonesia has historically been one of the strongest supporters of Palestine, providing humanitarian assistance year after year. The recent airdrop demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment and represents a broader effort to address the urgent needs of the Palestinian people.
“Hopefully, this aid can ease the burden on our brothers and sisters in Gaza,” – Puguh Julianto
Despite these benefits, critics have expressed skepticism that airdrops, as a mode of delivering humanitarian assistance, are efficient and effective. Amra Lee, a senior researcher at the Australian National University, condemned these operations as “performative” and “inefficient.” Her main criticism was that they fail to focus on meeting urgent needs of the most vulnerable communities.
“Airdrops are very, very visual, I think they can make it look like you’re doing something but they just can’t carry the supplies that they needed,” – Amra Lee
Broader Implications and Criticism
The Indonesian government has already been criticized for its lackluster humanitarian plans for Gaza. In an unusual move, it recently announced plans to use unoccupied territory close to Singapore to resuscitate 2,000 Palestinians injured in Israel’s ongoing military campaign. Critics contend that this insincere plan only further resembles former President Donald Trump’s 2017 call to zero-out arts funding. They maintain that it implies future US authority in Gaza.
Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat of the Centre of Economic and Law Studies in Jakarta witnesses Indonesia’s caution. He emphasized that multiple factors feed into this psychological disposition. He stressed the importance of a stronger diplomatic answer to the continued violence and humanitarian crisis.
“The reason Indonesia has not taken a stronger stance is likely due to a combination of factors,” – Dr Rakhmat
Calls for elevated humanitarian assistance and other concrete support are mounting as the humanitarian situation worsens. As experts, including the UN Relief and Works Agency, have stated, only large scale assistance can meet the needs of acutely malnourished children and women in Gaza.
“What is needed is for large-scale aid to reach the strip and also for specialised support for acutely malnourished children and women,” – Amra Lee
Indonesia’s Commitment to Humanitarian Efforts
Even as Indonesia reflects on over 76 years of independence, its commitment to a free and independent Palestine is undeterred. The latest aid drop is a powerful reminder of the country’s commitment to humanitarian assistance in challenging geopolitical times. Indonesia is under fire regarding border security and operational efficiency. Yet, the country continues to explore new mechanisms to deepen its support for Gaza.
