Written by :
Gaia Fonga
Key Takeaways
Prabowo addressed the IISS forum, emphasizing the tragic events in Rafah, leading to numerous innocent casualties, including children and unarmed civilians.
Indonesia will send the Hospital Ship Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 to Palestine. Owned by the Indonesian Navy, the ship is prepared for this mission. The change from grey to white signifies that the Hospital Ship Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 is a neutral vessel in warfare
The ship can accommodate a total of 643 individuals, with 159 of them being patients. The vessel is furnished with amenities similar to those found in a Type C hospital, such as various outpatient clinics (general, eye, dental, etc.), an emergency department, operating theaters suitable for major surgeries (including C-sections, orthopedic procedures, neurosurgery, thyroid surgeries, etc.), inpatient wards, and a radiology unit.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a critical and persevering issue in worldwide relations, has persisted for over half a century. The current situation, particularly in the Gaza Strip, is stamped by severe conflict and humanitarian distress. Recent Israeli military operations have resulted in significant destruction and loss of life, with the United Nations reporting that 86% of Gaza is now under evacuation orders (UNRWA, 2024). This conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, proven by acute shortages of medical supplies, food, water, and fuel. The health system is overwhelmed, as evidenced by the recent declaration of a polio epidemic (WHO, 2024). Civilians, including children and women, are disproportionately affected, facing displacement and numerous casualties. The ongoing violence has resulted in widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. In response, international organizations are urgently calling for intervention to address humanitarian needs. The situation remains fluid and complex, necessitating continuous monitoring and comprehensive efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Indonesia is keen to engage in this issue. The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, attended the Shangri-La Dialogue in June 2024. Prabowo delivered a special address at the IISS forum, where he stated, ‘I would like to highlight the recent tragic events in Rafah, which have resulted in many innocent casualties, including children, women, and unarmed civilians. This heartbreaking incident urges us to call for a thorough investigation into this humanitarian disaster. Fully understanding this tragedy is crucial to preventing similar occurrences in the future’ (Kemenhan, 2024).
To follow up on the directives from the Minister of Defence at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Indonesia will soon send another hospital ship to Palestine. The ship prepared for this mission is the Hospital Ship Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, owned by the Indonesian Navy. Several steps have been taken, including a thorough technical inspection to ensure the ship’s performance and equipment, as well as repainting the hull white with the Red Cross emblem in accordance with Article 32 of the 1949 Geneva Convention. The change from grey to white signifies that the Hospital Ship Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 is a neutral vessel in warfare, ready to provide humanitarian aid to anyone in need. Indonesia hopes that this ship will demonstrate its capabilities in the upcoming mission.
The Hospital Ship Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 was developed with Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ship design technology, patented by PT PAL Indonesia. The ship measures 124 metres in length, 21.8 metres in width, and has a displacement of 7,290 tonnes. It can reach a maximum speed of 18 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots, and an economical speed of 12 knots, with the ability to sail for up to 30 days with a range of 10,000 nautical miles. The ship has a total personnel capacity of 643 people, including 159 patients (Indonesia.go.id, 2021). The ship is equipped with facilities equivalent to a Type C hospital, including outpatient clinics (general, eye, dental, etc.), an emergency room, operating rooms capable of major surgeries (C-sections, orthopaedic, neurosurgery, thyroid, etc.), inpatient wards, and a radiology unit. It also has CT scan and X-ray equipment, as well as isolation rooms for handling infectious diseases. The ship’s mobility for medical evacuation missions is supported by its ability to carry 3 medical helicopters, ambulance boats, and Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP).
With these capabilities, in addition to delivering humanitarian aid, the Hospital Ship Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 will also provide medical services, as it has the capacity to function as a Type C hospital. Indonesia hopes that this ship will be able to sail to Palestine to fulfil its primary role as a hospital ship, especially considering the successful track record of the previous ship, Dr. Radjiman, which navigated international waters and proved its ocean-going capabilities.
Previously, Indonesia had sent the hospital ship dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992 to Palestine via Egypt, as this was the furthest point accessible. This ship was dispatched on a humanitarian mission to provide medical assistance to the people of Palestine affected by the conflict in Gaza. Additionally, the deployment of this ship aimed to strengthen bilateral relations with Palestine. The hospital ship served as a symbol of Indonesia’s friendship and solidarity with the Palestinian people. The ship was symbolically launched by the Minister of Defence, Prabowo Subianto, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, from the Kolinlamil Dock in January 2024. The ship arrived at the Port of El Arish, Egypt, in February 2024, carrying humanitarian aid to be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) representative, Ahmed Buhaeri Ali.
The ship successfully delivered 242 tonnes of aid, including food, blankets, clothing, baby supplies, women’s clothing, milk, field tents, hygiene supplies, mineral water and religious items (PAL Indonesia, 2024). The ship docked at El Arish for approximately four days to unload and distribute all the aid before returning to Indonesia. It safely traversed the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean. The Radjiman ship impressed the world with its performance in this humanitarian mission. It is a source of pride for Indonesia, as the ship’s ability to navigate international waters in the Middle East has garnered much praise.
The deployment of Indonesia’s hospital ship to Palestine signifies two important roles for Indonesia: enhancing maritime capabilities and strengthening humanitarian diplomacy. First, the departure of the hospital ship KRI Dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992 in January 2024 is concrete evidence of the modernization of Indonesia’s maritime fleet. This advanced ship is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and professional medical personnel, ready to provide vital medical assistance to the people of Palestine. Its ability to undertake long-distance voyages or ocean-going missions demonstrates Indonesia’s maritime capacity to conduct humanitarian operations abroad. Second, this mission is also a manifestation of Indonesia’s strong humanitarian diplomacy. Adhering to an active and independent foreign policy, Indonesia is always committed to achieving world peace. Indonesia’s support for Palestine has been consistently demonstrated in various forms, both politically and humanitarian. The delivery of medical aid amid the Israel-Palestine conflict is a testament to Indonesia’s commitment to peace and humanity. This mission enhances Indonesia’s image on the international stage as a responsible and generous nation. More than just humanitarian aid, the deployment of KRI Dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992 reaffirms Indonesia’s commitment to humanitarian principles and international assistance. Indonesia actively promotes peace and stability in the region, using diplomatic approaches to resolve conflicts and assist the suffering Palestinian people.
The deployment of Indonesia’s hospital ship to Palestine is also a reaffirmation of Indonesia’s role in the ‘Global Maritime Axis’ narrative. The development of advanced ships like KRI Dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992 demonstrates Indonesia’s success in modernising its maritime fleet, especially considering that this ship is a domestic product. This mission represents Indonesia’s maritime diplomacy, where maritime strength is implemented to achieve foreign policy goals, in this case, promoting peace and stability in the region. Furthermore, this mission brings the Indian Ocean back into the‘regional canvas,’ as envisioned in the global maritime axis (Gindarsih & Mantong, 2018). Indonesia’s presence in this mission projects its maritime strength and reinforces its position in this strategic region. This humanitarian aid not only enhances Indonesia’s image on the international stage but also demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to humanitarian principles and international assistance.
References
Indonesia.go.id (2021) KRI Dokter Wahidin Siap Berlayar Melayani Pasien https://indonesia.go.id/kategori/komoditas/2296/kri-dokter-wahidin-siap-berlayar-melayani-pasien
Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia. (2024). https://www.kemhan.go.id/2024/06/01/menhan-prabowo-subianto-hadiri-shangri-la-dialogue-2024-di-singapura-perkuat-kerjasama-keamanan-regional-dan-global.html
Laksmana, E. A., Gindarsih, I., & Mantong, A. W. (2018). Menerjemahkan Visi Poros Maritim Global ke dalam Kerangka Diplomasi Pertahanan Maritim dalam Kebijakan Luar Negeri Indonesia di Era Jokowi. Jakarta: CSIS, 2-36.
PAL Indonesia (2024) Kapal Rumah Sakit Karya Bangsa Indonesia Sukses Arungi Laut Internasional, Siap Distribusikan Bantuan https://www.pal.co.id/kapal-rumah-sakit-karya-bangsa-indonesia-sukses-arungi-laut-internasional-siap-distribusikan-bantuan/
UNRWA (2024) UNRWA Situation Report #86 on the Situation in The Gaza Strip and The West Bank, Including Jerusalem https://www.unrwa.org/resources/reports/unrwa-situation-report-86-situation-gaza-strip-and-west-bank-including-east-Jerusalem
WHO (2024) Children in Gaza Are Now at Risk of Polio As Well as Bombs https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/children-in-gaza-are-now-at-risk-of-polio-as-well-as-bombs---we-need-a-ceasefire-now
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About the Writer
Gaia Fonga is an undergraduate student majoring in International Relations at Airlangga University. Her interests encompass European studies, Asia Pacific studies, humanitarian issues, and foreign policy. She is currently interning at one of the largest national defence industries.
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