Indonesia launches campaign to raise $200 million aid for Palestine
JAKARTA: Indonesia on Wednesday launched a campaign to raise $200 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians, as Jakarta moves to support the rebuilding of Gaza.
A staunch supporter of Palestine, the Indonesian government and people see Palestinian statehood as being mandated by their own constitution, which calls for the abolition of colonialism.
The campaign, 'Indonesia for Palestine: Solidarity, Real Action and New Hope,' is being organized by the Indonesian Ulema Council, Indonesia's National Alms Agency and other NGOs with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
'We are starting this campaign with the initial target of $200 million,' Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta said at the campaign launch in Jakarta.
'This is not just a mandate from our constitution and a religious obligation, but also a humanitarian emergency … We want to turn this campaign into a movement of humanitarian diplomacy.'
The campaign comprises various programs, he said.
'There's an ongoing emergency program during the ceasefire period, but there will also be a program dedicated to the reconstruction of Gaza; we want to offer our assistance in the rebuilding of Gaza.'
Since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, its military has killed more than 48,300 people and injured more than 111,000. The real death toll is feared to be much higher, with estimates published by the medical journal The Lancet indicating that as of July, it could be more than 186,000.
The Indonesian government has sent several consignments of humanitarian assistance for Gaza since 2023, while various NGOs in the country have also raised funds and coordinated support — including sending medical volunteers — for Gaza.
Last year, Jakarta doubled its annual contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees to $1.2 million, with the government pledging to contribute more.
'This joint campaign is real evidence of Indonesia's solidarity for Palestine,' said Abdul Kadir Jailani, director general for Asian, Pacific and African Affairs at the foreign affairs ministry.
'We all have a responsibility to support our brothers and sisters in Palestine.'
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