MUI urges Indonesian government to halt Gaza evacuation plan

  The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged the government to reconsider its plan to evacuate one thousand Palestinians affected by Israel's invasion of Gaza to Indonesia, a proposal officially introduced by President Prabowo Subianto.

"Mr. President has proposed an evacuation, which has sparked controversy that could lead to divisions if left unaddressed," MUI's Head of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, remarked in Jakarta

He stated that the MUI views the president's suggestion as counterproductive to Palestine's struggle for independence, asserting that the Indonesian government should remain focused on pressuring Israel to end its genocidal acts rather than relocating Palestinians from their homeland.

Hakim further emphasized that ensuring the return of evacuees to Gaza would not be easy.

"For these reasons, we find it essential to communicate our stance to the president and ask him to study this evacuation plan more thoroughly," he explained.

He also revealed that the MUI plans to meet with President Prabowo to brief him on public recommendations regarding the Palestinian issue.

"We hope that the Indonesian government and public will remain steadfast in their commitment to fighting for the Palestinian nation," Hakim concluded.

Muhammad Husein, an Indonesian activist who once lived in Gaza, supported Hakim's statements, believing that relocating the people of Gaza would only make matters worse.

He contended that, despite its noble intentions, this plan could ultimately align with Israel's aim of expelling Gazans from their homeland.

Earlier, on April 9, President Prabowo affirmed that Indonesia is willing and ready to evacuate Palestinians from war-torn Gaza.

"Indonesia is ready to deploy aircraft to evacuate approximately 1,000 residents in the initial phase," he said before departing for the United Arab Emirates from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta.

He clarified that the evacuees would not become permanent residents in Indonesia but would return to Gaza once they recover and the region is deemed safe.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono later corroborated the statement, clarifying that the mission is intended solely to provide Palestinians with medical treatment and temporary shelter.

He made the clarification in a statement released the following day to reiterate Indonesia's opposition to any attempts to displace the people of Gaza from their homeland.