In a noteworthy humanitarian effort, Indonesia has deployed a hospital ship loaded with essential supplies for Palestinians in Gaza. The vessel, named KRI dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat 992, is currently designated solely for delivering aid to Gaza and will not serve as a floating or field hospital.

Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto acknowledged the challenges of the mission, stating, "This is not an easy mission since the ship will have to pass quite dangerous waters." However, he assured that the Indonesian Ministry of Defense has coordinated with relevant parties. Subianto emphasized Indonesia's support for Palestine and expressed confidence that the country's neutral stance would not be perceived as a threat by groups in Yemen, such as the Houthi rebels.

The hospital aid ship is set to dock at Al-Arish Port in northeastern Egypt for approximately four days. During this period, it will transfer the 200 tons of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, tents, and clean water, to the Egyptian Red Crescent, responsible for further delivery to Gaza.

Bagus Hendraning Kobarsih, the Middle East Director of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, highlighted ongoing coordination efforts with Egyptian authorities to secure a permit for establishing a field hospital or operating the hospital auxiliary ship. He explained, “We are in talks with the Egyptian authorities to obtain the permit. I think it takes time because the conditions on the ground are not conducive yet.”

The KRI Radjiman dr. Wedyodiningrat 992 marks Indonesia's third hospital ship, equipped to perform major and minor medical procedures, including brain surgery, neurosurgery, eye surgery, and dental examinations. The vessel houses supporting medical equipment, such as CT scanners and panoramic X-ray machines, laboratories, an emergency room, and an isolation room, with a capacity to accommodate approximately 150 patients. The ship's versatile team of 16 includes general practitioners, pharmacists, nurses, and other health personnel, demonstrating adaptability for humanitarian missions beyond Indonesia.

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