Preparing a medical island facility in Indonesia for the treatment of around 2,000 injured Gazans
In early August 2025, a significant humanitarian move was announced by the Indonesian government. The decision to convert a medical facility on Galang Island, located off the coast of Sumatra and south of Singapore, was made to treat approximately 2,000 wounded residents from Gaza.
This plan follows President Prabowo Subianto's offer to shelter wounded Palestinians, an offer that drew criticism from Indonesia's top clerics. It is important to note that this initiative is supported by both Indonesia’s central government and local authorities in the Riau Islands province, where Galang Island is situated.
The medical facility, which was previously used as a COVID-19 isolation hospital opened in 2020, will now be reactivated for this purpose. The facility will provide medical care and a temporary shelter for the families of the patients. The patients are expected to return to Gaza after they have fully recovered.
At present, the timeline details remain unclear as no specific schedule has been provided. Questions about timing and further details have been referred to Indonesia’s foreign and defense ministries, which have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Prior to 1996, Galang Island was a refugee camp run by the United Nations. The island is currently uninhabited, making it an ideal location for this humanitarian effort.
It is worth mentioning that the Indonesian government has previously sent humanitarian aid to Gaza. This new plan, however, does not involve an evacuation of Gaza residents. Instead, it aims to provide care for those who have been victims of war.
The patients will be provided with temporary shelter for their families during their recovery. Once they are well enough to return home, they will do so, marking the conclusion of this humanitarian operation.
As of early August 2025, the completion or operational timeline for this treatment plan has not been announced. The Indonesian government continues to work diligently to provide much-needed aid to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
[1] The Jakarta Post. (2025, August 7). Indonesia to treat wounded Palestinians on Galang Island. Retrieved from https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2025/08/07/indonesia-to-treat-wounded-palestinians-on-galang-island.html
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 7). Indonesia to treat wounded Palestinians on uninhabited island. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/indonesia-to-treat-wounded-palestinians-uninhabited-island-2025-08-07/
[3] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 7). Indonesia to treat wounded Palestinians on Galang Island. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/7/indonesia-to-treat-wounded-palestinians-on-galang-island
[4] The Straits Times. (2025, August 7). Indonesia to treat wounded Palestinians on Galang Island. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/world/indonesia-to-treat-wounded-palestinians-on-galang-island
[5] The Guardian. (2025, August 7). Indonesia to treat wounded Palestinians on Galang Island. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/07/indonesia-to-treat-wounded-palestinians-on-galang-island
- The world was surprised by the announcement of a significant humanitarian move by the Indonesian government to treat wounded residents from Gaza in a medical facility on Galang Island.
- The East and Middle regions of the world witnessed a news event as Indonesia planed to convert a medical facility on Galang Island for the treatment of around 2,000 wounded Palestinians.
- Amidst the general news and political discussions, the Indonesian government's decision to provide medical care and temporary shelter to Gaza residents on Galang Island became a topic of health-and-wellness concern.
- The scientific community expressed interest in the reactivation of a previously used COVID-19 isolation hospital on Galang Island for the treatment of wounded Palestinians, showcasing the intersection between medical-conditions and politics.
- Artistic expressions reflected the humanitarian effort of the Indonesian government as they offered aid to wounded Palestinians on Galang Island, highlighting the importance of compassion and unity in the world.
