VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

"We gather here not for donations, but we are here for solidarity for our brothers in Palestine," said a statement from Prince Hassan bin Talal at the inauguration of the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Indonesian community through zakat funds collected by Baznas (National Agency of Amil Zakat).

Humanitarian assistance in the form of an Eye Clinic (ophthalmology clinic) and Ear Nose and Throat Clinic (ear nose and throat / ENT clinic) handed over on 21 April 2019 to the Jordanian MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinian Clinic) in this Palestinian refugee camp in Talbiyah is a collaboration Baznas with JHCO (Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization).

In front of invited guests consisting of philanthropies donors, JHCO, Palestinian refugee community leaders, and invited guests totaling around 100 people, Prince Hassan stressed that the presence of Baznas in refugee camps was not just to provide assistance but was more called for a high sense of solidarity the Indonesian people to the Palestinian people and also close relations with the Kingdom of Jordan. He hopes that this collaboration will continue and develop so that the blessings can be felt by all people.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Jordan, Andy Rachmianto, stated that humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees was an integral part of Indonesia's support for the Palestinian struggle for independence. In particular, the Indonesian Ambassador expressed his high appreciation for the Jordanian government's response to initiatives from non-governmental institutions that wished to share with refugees in need.

The Indonesian Embassy in Amman also greatly appreciated the direct role of Baznas in collaborating with JHCO in supporting humanitarian diplomacy activities launched by the Indonesian President Jokowi as one of the forms of Indonesian foreign policy implementation. This form of cooperation between Baznas and JHCO could be used as a model for other countries in reducing the burden of Palestinian refugees.

Baznas, represented by Commissioner Irsyadul Halim, stressed that the concern of the Indonesian people for the Palestinian people is very high. For this reason, BAZNAS facilitates Indonesian people who like to share and distribute it to Palestinian refugees in Jordan.

At this initial stage, the collaboration between Baznas and JHCO prioritized the health sector through the construction of clinics and procurement of medicines distributed through 3 (three) units of clinics managed by Jordanian MAP in Gaza refugee camps, Hattien refugee camps, and Talbiyah refugee camps.

The submission of humanitarian assistance is a follow up to the collaboration between Baznas and JHCO which was signed on October 8, 2018 in Jakarta, which was witnessed directly by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki.

Baznas has distributed aid amounting to USD 150,000 which is a humanitarian fund that was submitted through the Indonesian Ambassador Amman on January 7, 2019 and in the form of medical assistance to the MAP clinic in the Gaza refugee camp in Jerash.

In addition to JHCO, Baznas also collaborates with UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East). In the initial phase, Indonesian humanitarian aid has been channeled to USD 150,000. The collaborative program that is being initiated by Baznas with UNRWA currently focuses more on education programs.

The mobilization of Indonesian community funds to help educate Palestinian refugee children will soon be launched before Ramadan next month. "Let's help realize the ideals and future of Palestinian children better," said Ambassador Andy. (kemenlu)