TNI Distributes Humanitarian Aid Over Gaza
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SUARA NEGERI | JAKARTA — At the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) through the Garuda Merah Putih-II Task Force (GMP-II) once again carried out a humanitarian aid mission for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, Sunday (17/8/2025).
Two TNI AU Hercules C-130J aircraft from Air Squadron 31, carrying 66 joint personnel, were deployed under the command of Colonel Pnb Puguh Julianto, Commander of Wing I Halim Perdanakusuma AFB, who served as Mission Commander.
Upon arrival at King Abdullah II Air Base, Jordan, GMP-II joined the multinational Solidarity Path Operation-2 (SPO-2) led by the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF). Preparations included coordinating and packing humanitarian aid packages with other participating nations before the joint airdrop.
In a historic and emotional moment, coinciding with the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence, the skies of Gaza were filled with parachutes carrying 17.8 tons of humanitarian aid. The figure was chosen to symbolize the date of Indonesia’s Proclamation of Independence—17 August 1945.
"We celebrate Independence Day not only with ceremonies, but also with real humanitarian action. May this assistance ease the burden of our brothers and sisters in Gaza," said Colonel Puguh Julianto.
In total, Indonesia contributed around 800 tons of aid, with at least 45 tons of logistics airdropped directly into Gaza. The packages consisted of staple foods, ready-to-eat meals, and basic necessities from BAZNAS, as well as 1,000 boxes of instant food from the Ministry of Defense. The amount of aid reflected the symbolic number 17-8-45, marking Indonesia's 80th year of independence.
"Through Solidarity Path Operation-2, TNI reaffirms Indonesia's solidarity with Palestine. Airdrop missions ensure that aid reaches areas inaccessible by land, while also reflecting Indonesia's active role on the international stage, especially in commemorating 80 years of independence," he concluded. (*)
