Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority
country, received direct approval from Israel's Prime Minister’s Office to
airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza. The aid mission, carried out by Indonesia’s
military, has involved several air drops of critical supplies, totaling over 90
tons, intended to ease the suffering caused by extreme shortages and ongoing
conflict. This move is part of Indonesia's steadfast solidarity with Palestine
while navigating complex political realities.
Special Permission Granted by Israeli Authorities
As reported by Kan 11 News and The Times of Israel, the Prime Minister’s Office of Israel granted Indonesia special permission to airdrop humanitarian aid to Gaza. This permission was unprecedented and came directly from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office rather than the usual Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. A senior diplomatic source told Kan 11 News that,
“Prime Minister Netanyahu has invited any country wishing to airdrop food to Gaza to join the humanitarian effort.”
Indonesia, which does not maintain diplomatic
relations with Israel, obtained this special authorisation to provide urgent
humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
Indonesia’s Humanitarian Aid Delivery Operations
Indonesia’s National Alms Agency (Baznas) and Indonesian
National Armed Forces (TNI) have been at the forefront of delivering aid. The
first batch of aid, approximately 80 tons including food, medicines, and
clothing, was dropped on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day, August 17, 2025.
This operation was followed by subsequent missions. As of late August 2025,
Indonesia’s military airdropped over 91 tons of humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
Brigadier General Freddy Ardianzah, Head of the TNI
Information Center, highlighted that the deliveries are part of Indonesia's peacebuilding
efforts and contribution to the Palestinian struggle. The deliveries are
conducted using Hercules C-130 aircraft, flying from Jordanian air bases with
coordination from the Jordanian military to ensure safe drop zones within Gaza.
Public and Official Reactions from Indonesia
Noor Achmad, Director of Distribution for Indonesia’s
Baznas, expressed that the aid demonstrated the Indonesian people's unwavering
solidarity with Palestine, hoping the supplies would not only alleviate hunger
but also boost Palestinian morale. The aid consists largely of public donations
collected across Indonesia.
Lieutenant General Tri Budi Utomo, Secretary General of
Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence, affirmed the safety of the airdrop zones and
the cooperation with Jordan’s military to secure the mission. He mentioned that
Indonesia’s government is also preparing alternative aid deliveries through
Egypt alongside the air drops.
President Prabowo Subianto recently signaled Indonesia’s
willingness to deepen ties with Israel contingent on the recognition of
Palestine as an independent state. Prabowo also declared readiness to host Gaza
residents injured in the conflict, offering medical care on Indonesian soil.
Indonesia’s Historical and Political Context Regarding Palestine
Indonesia has a long-standing humanitarian and political
commitment to the Palestinian cause. Former President Joko Widodo strongly
called for Muslim nations to unite against Israeli occupation. Indonesia was
active in pushing for ceasefires and humanitarian pauses at the United Nations
and other international forums. The country also funds and operates the
Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, which has faced severe damage during
Israeli military operations.
The humanitarian aid missions represent not only emergency
relief efforts but also Indonesia’s continued diplomatic and political backing
for Palestinian independence and sovereignty, expressed despite the absence of formal
ties with Israel.
Aid Volume and Ongoing Efforts
Indonesia’s aid mission aims to provide up to 800 tons of
humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including food, medicine, and clothing. The
efforts continue with ongoing airdrops and planning for further deliveries,
coordinated with international partners to maximise impact.
Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Frega Wennas
Inkiriwang noted the deployment of additional aircraft and support teams,
reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to the humanitarian mission. The aid
airdrops are complemented by initiatives to host wounded Gazans and
humanitarian coordination within regional frameworks.
Indonesia’s humanitarian aid operations in Gaza mark a
significant development amid the ongoing conflict and humanitarian catastrophe.
By securing Israeli approval for direct airdrops, Indonesia has managed to
uphold its outspoken support for the Palestinian people while navigating
geopolitical sensitivities. The country’s aid missions are ongoing, reflecting
Indonesia’s role as a key Muslim-majority nation advocating for Palestine on
the global stage without formal diplomatic relations with Israel.
This humanitarian stance includes delivering substantial aid
consignments and preparing medical facilities on Indonesian soil to receive
injured Gazans, showcasing Indonesia’s deepening role in addressing the Gaza
crisis.