The Indonesian government has prepared a team of 15 medical personnel from the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) for a humanitarian mission to the Gaza Strip. This group is part of an initial 25-person team that will first be stationed at a United Arab Emirates-owned floating hospital in El Arish, Egypt. From there, they will be transferred to Rafah with the mission of providing medical relief to the Palestinian people.
Major General Ujang Darwis, the director general of defense strategy at the Defense Ministry, announced this development. He shared details with Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto during a pre-departure briefing, noting that the first group is scheduled to depart on the morning of August 9, 2024. Once the initial 15 personnel have safely arrived at the field hospital in Rafah, another 15 will be sent to replace them at the floating hospital in El Arish.
In total, 40 health personnel will be deployed in this mission, assuming the transfer from El Arish to Rafah proceeds without issues. This team, which includes four female officers, represents the three branches of the TNI.
Darwis explained that the floating hospital in El Arish serves as a staging area for health personnel aiming to enter Gaza for humanitarian purposes. El Arish is the closest point to the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza. During a previous visit, Darwis observed that the medical officers at the floating hospital would have access to comprehensive facilities, including free laundry services, a gym, and a volleyball court to help maintain their physical health.
Furthermore, Darwis highlighted that the 40 personnel underwent five days of pre-departure training at the TNI’s Peacekeeping Mission Center (PMPP) in Bogor district, West Java. This training was essential to ensure that the team is well-prepared for the challenges they might face during their deployment.
In summary, the Indonesian government is deploying a well-prepared team of medical personnel from the TNI to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. The mission is set to begin with a strategic deployment through a floating hospital in El Arish, ensuring that the team is adequately supported and equipped to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
