Indonesia to donate US$1 million to Palestine

Coordinating Minister for Legal, Political and Security Affairs, Djoko Suyanto said that the pledge was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

“This commitment will be discussed by the Foreign Minister and the Ambassador in Jakarta,” he said as reported by Republika.co.id.

Coordinating Minister for the People's Welfare, Agung Laksono, was reported as saying that the current amount was adequate to be sent immediately for Palestine following the attack by Israel on Gaza since last Tuesday.

“We will donate US$1 million (around RM3.1 million) so that the most possible aid can be given at the current moment,” quoted the web portal.

President Susilo who was concerned with the latest developments in Gaza stressed that Indonesia strongly condemns the attacks and urged international organizations to put pressure on the United Nations (UN) to do something to stop Israel’s attacks.

Indonesia has also called for an immediate ceasefire, monitored by the UN.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said that the ministry was trying to find a solution through diplomatic channels.

“It is time that pressure is put on Israel to stop their actions,” he said in a press release quoted by VivaNews.

BBC News which quoted sources in Palestine had reported that the attack has caused over 100 fatalities since Tuesday.