Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Menlu) Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia will continue to provide financial support for Palestine.
This includes maintaining the continuity of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East ( UNRWA ), the UN agency responsible for providing assistance to Palestinian refugees.
Sugiono made the statement at a ministerial meeting on UNRWA on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York on Friday, September 26, 2025.
“Indonesia remains committed to supporting UNRWA’s work in Gaza,” Sugiono said in a press statement on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
“We also conveyed that Indonesia will continue to provide financial support,” he added.
Support According to Ability
Sugiono acknowledged that Indonesia’s financial support may not be as extensive as other countries. However, it remains a demonstration of Indonesia’s commitment to humanitarian solidarity.
“Perhaps not as large as other countries, but in accordance with our capabilities as we have done so far,” said Sugiono.
According to Sugiono, the main challenge currently facing UNRWA is funding. Therefore, commitment from every country, including Indonesia, is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of the agency, which was founded in 1949.
“Indonesia expresses its full support for UNRWA. Yesterday, we also raised several issues that pose significant challenges to the implementation of its duties, particularly regarding funding,” he concluded.
Alternative Funding and the Role of Baznas
In addition to support from the State Budget (APBN), the Indonesian government also plans to collect funds through the zakat mechanism.
The National Alms Agency (Baznas) is said to be involved as an innovative channel for distributing support.
“Indonesia remains committed to contributing to UNRWA, both through the government and through other innovative channels – including the National Zakat Agency,” Sugiono said at a high-level meeting on UNRWA on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
According to him, this step is part of Indonesia’s efforts to expand support in a more participatory and sustainable manner.
UNRWA’s Vital Role
Sugiono emphasized that UNRWA’s existence is very important for millions of Palestinian refugees.
This institution not only provides humanitarian aid, but also serves as a symbol of global commitment to the rights of Palestinian refugees.
“Political support for UNRWA is not an option, but a necessity,” Sugiono stressed.
The politician from the Gerindra party also touched on the UN-80 Initiative initiated by the UN Secretary General.
According to him, the evaluation and reforms currently being carried out by the UN should not reduce the role of UNRWA.
“It is important to ensure that this process does not diminish or alter UNRWA’s mandate, particularly its role in upholding the rights of Palestinian refugees,” Sugiono said.
Commitment to Multilateralism
Through this forum, Indonesia expressed its unwavering support for UNRWA.
Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia’s contribution not only impacts the Palestinian people but also strengthens the principle of multilateralism.
“I am here to reaffirm Indonesia’s unwavering support for UNRWA because its work is not only widely visible to millions of Palestinians,” said the former member of the House of Representatives.
“However, it cannot be separated from multilateralism, as expressed by Co-Chair Ayman Safadi,” Sugiono concluded.
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