In his remarks, President Jokowi said that Indonesia was concerned about the humanitarian events that occurred in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The President also stated that the country was concerned about the internal conflict taking place in Sudan, which he said had caused many victims.
"Therefore, for the umpteenth time we are carrying out a humanitarian mission again by sending aid to Egypt and Sudan to help our brothers and sisters who need help," said President Jokowi, quoted from a statement from the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday.
President Jokowi continued that the aid sent was worth approximately IDR 30 billion (about US$1.8 million). The aid is in the form of medicines, medical equipment, and other assistance. The President claimed that the aid sent had been adjusted to needs on the ground, and according to the requests of the two countries.
"And other assistance tailored to existing needs on the ground, in accordance with official requests from the governments of Egypt and Sudan," he continued.
President Joko Widodo added that the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) chairman, Suharyanto led the delegation to deliver aid. He said the delegation comprises elements from ministries, institutions, and government partners.
On a separate occasion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, said this was the umpteenth time this aid had been sent. Recently, Retno said, Indonesia sent aid by parachutes to deliver aid from the air via Jordan.
Minister Retno added that aid from Indonesia sent by land had reached more than 4,400 tons. The assistance came from the Indonesian government, community, and non-governmental organizations. Retno also confirmed that almost all aid from Indonesia had gone to Palestine.
Previously, the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received diplomatic notes from Egypt and Sudan. Both asked for humanitarian assistance for the people facing conflict and disease outbreaks.
The Egyptian government hopes for Indonesia's assistance in dealing with Palestinian refugees who entered Egypt as a result of Israel's invasion of Gaza, Palestine. Currently, Rafah hosts more than 1.5 million refugees.
The Sudanese government also hopes for similar assistance for its people who are victims of internal conflict and a cholera outbreak. There are at least 2,525 suspected cases of acute watery diarrhea or cholera suffered by local people, thus requiring medical equipment.
