MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Muhammadiyah has symbolically handed over collected aid from Indonesian citizens for Palestine. The aid gathered through Lazismu via Muhammadiyah Aid is distributed through local partners in Palestine.
President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir mentioned that Muhammadiyah has donated IDR 40 billion for Palestinians distributed in two terms. In the first term, from 2018 to 2023 prior to the current conflict, Muhammadiyah presented IDR 27 billion, while it reached IDR 13 billion in the second term.
“Muhammadiyah extends its gratitude to Muhammadiyah members, sympathizers, and all individuals who have concern for Palestine,” said Haedar on Wednesday (November 1) at the PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping.
The collected funds were disbursed in various forms, encompassing goods and humanitarian initiatives. The ongoing fundraising for Palestine will continue to support other programs.
“Muhammadiyah will implement empowerment and conflict resolution programs in the future,” said Haedar.
Besides, Haedar Nashir also applauded the Indonesian government’s pro-Palestine stance. He commended the resolute commitment to supporting Palestine and condemning Israeli aggression and occupation as conveyed by Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno LP Marsudi, in a United Nations (UN) meeting.
“We reiterate that the fundraising for Palestine is Muhammadiyah concern, and we hope that various parties will partake in similar efforts,” said Haedar.
Aid Distribution
The distribution of Muhammadiyah aid to Palestine encompasses multiple strategies. First, it is distributed through local partners participating in prior initiatives. They can distribute medical and food supplies received from areas outside of Gaza.
Second, the aid is dispatched from Indonesia, organized in collaboration with the Indonesian government. The Indonesian government will facilitate the delivery via Egypt and the Red Cross. This aid is slated to be dispatched over the upcoming weekend. It includes items such as 2,400 cans of “RendangMu” (Muhammadiyah processed meat product) and 600 family kits, which consist of blankets, towels, and underwear.
The conveyance of goods will be executed through a Hercules aircraft bound for Egypt. The handover to the Palestinians will be overseen by the government and facilitated through the Red Cross, constituting an integral segment of the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestine offered by Indonesian citizens.