Jakarta (Antara Bali) -- President Joko Widodo has appreciated the efforts made by Indonesians to build a hospital in Palestine.
A member of the presidential communications team, Teten Masduki, said in a press statement received here on Wednesday that the president appreciated the construction and inauguration of the hospital, which was an initiative of MER-C.
"President Joko Widodo expressed his appreciation for the grand opening of Indonesia Hospital in Gaza, Palestine. The construction of Indonesia Hospital is a manifestation of Indonesians' solidarity with Palestinians," Masduki stated here on Wednesday.
In a meeting with a MER-C delegation at the State Palace, Jokowi also emphasized the government's commitment to facilitate humanitarian aid to Palestinians through relevant ministries and institutions as well as Indonesian representatives.
Indonesia Hospital, which was built on a plot of land covering 16,261 square meters, is currently in the process of procuring medical equipment, 90 percent of which is complete. The hospital will be devoted to providing traumatology and surgical services to Palestinian people.
On the occasion, Jokowi further noted that the Indonesian government had taken concrete measures to encourage Palestinian independence.
These include the establishment of an Honorary Consulate in Ramallah and the development of Indonesia Cardiac Centre at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
In addition, Secretary of State Pratikno pointed out that Indonesia has a moral responsibility to support Palestinians and peace in the Middle East.
"As the largest Muslim country, Indonesia has great interest in maintaining peace in the Middle East, which the president will prioritize in his working visits," Pratikno remarked.
"Mer-C has a special program for the development of Indonesia Hospital at Gaza," he affirmed, adding that the hospital will be the largest in Gaza city.
"It will be an additional visit for the president in the Middle East. We will communicate with the Middle Eastern countries," he said. (WDY)
