Indonesian NGOs to Construct New Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Gaza City: A Beacon of Hope and Healing

Indonesia to Build Mother and Child Hospital in Gaza City

In a significant gesture of solidarity, Indonesia is set to construct a new women’s and children’s hospital in Gaza City. The project, slated to begin construction in April 2025, reflects a national commitment to supporting the Palestinian people amidst ongoing challenges. The initiative highlights the crucial role of international aid in addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflict.

Project Overview: RSIA Indonesia

The hospital, to be named the Indonesian Mother and Child Hospital, or RSIA Indonesia, represents a substantial investment of 402 billion rupiah, approximately $24.5 million U.S.dollars. It is being spearheaded by the Jakarta-based Aqsa Working Group (AWG) and Maemuna Center Indonesia, with official backing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The location of the hospital will be near al-Rantisi Hospital in the Nasser neighborhood, on a 5,000 square-meter plot donated by the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Addressing Critical Healthcare Needs

The urgent need for such a facility is underscored by the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and children. “As we all know, the majority of victims of Zionist Israel’s genocide in Gaza are children and women … We hope this hospital will help provide healthcare for children and women in Gaza,” said Muhammad Anshorullah, AWG chairman.

Since the escalation of conflict in October 2023, the healthcare system in Gaza has been under immense strain. The United Nations Human Rights Office reports that women and children account for nearly 70 percent of verified fatalities, highlighting the dire situation.This new facility aims to provide essential medical services and support for these vulnerable groups.

A Symbol of Enduring Friendship

RSIA Indonesia will be the second healthcare facility in Gaza bearing the nation’s name. The existing Indonesia Hospital in northern Gaza, funded by the Indonesian NGO Medical Emergency Rescue Committee, or MER-C, has been operational since late 2015 and has remained one of the last functioning hospitals in the region during periods of intense conflict.

According to Anshorullah, “We hope that RSIA will only strengthen the strong reputation that MER-C has built through the indonesia Hospital in northern Gaza. The Indonesia Hospital is a symbol of the friendship and brotherhood of Indonesia and Palestine, God willing, RSIA will only strengthen that bond.”

Indonesia’s Commitment to Palestine

Indonesia has long been a steadfast supporter of Palestine, viewing Palestinian statehood as a constitutional imperative rooted in the abolition of colonialism. This commitment is reflected in various initiatives,including a recent solidarity campaign launched by the foreign affairs ministry,the Indonesian Ulema Council,and Indonesia’s National Alms Agency. The campaign aims to raise $200 million to provide humanitarian aid and support the rebuilding of Gaza.

“One of the big projects for Gaza that have been proposed and will be handled by Indonesian charity and humanitarian organizations is the growth of the Indonesian Mother and Child Hospital in Gaza City,” stated Ahrul Tsani, Middle East director at the foreign affairs ministry. “This is an important part in Indonesia’s humanitarian diplomacy in Palestine, and a real product of Indonesia’s support as a nation.”

next Steps and Future Impact

In the coming weeks, representatives from Maemuna Center and AWG will conduct a site survey to finalize preparations for construction. The goal is to commence building by the end of April 2025, marking a tangible step forward in providing much-needed healthcare infrastructure.

Onny Firyanti Hamidi, head of Maemuna Center Indonesia, emphasized the broader meaning of the project: “The construction of RSIA is not just a matter of building a health infrastructure, but it is a real form of solidarity from Indonesia to Palestine. This is a concrete step to ensure that the women and children of Gaza will have access to proper healthcare.”

Conclusion

The Indonesian Mother and Child Hospital represents more than just a building; it symbolizes a powerful commitment to providing critical healthcare and hope for the women and children of Gaza. As construction nears, the project serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds between Indonesia and Palestine. To support similar initiatives and contribute to the well-being of vulnerable populations, consider donating to reputable humanitarian aid organizations actively working in the region. Your contribution can make a significant difference.

What other impactful, long-term initiatives do you believe are crucial for supporting the sustained well-being of women and children in conflict zones, and how can individuals contribute beyond monetary donations?

Archyde Interview: Building Hope – Indonesia’s Mother and Child Hospital in Gaza

Indonesia’s commitment to Palestine takes a concrete form with the upcoming construction of the Indonesian Mother and Child Hospital (RSIA Indonesia) in Gaza City. To gain deeper insights into this vital project,we spoke with Dr.Amina khairunissa,a renowned expert in international healthcare development and lead consultant for the Aqsa Working group (AWG) on the RSIA Indonesia project.

Archyde: Dr. Amina, thank you for joining us. RSIA Indonesia represents a significant investment. Could you elaborate on the key motivations behind Indonesia’s decision to build such a specialized hospital,focusing on mother and child healthcare,in gaza?

Dr. Amina Khairunissa: Thank you for having me. The decision stems from a deep understanding of the critical needs on the ground. conflict disproportionately impacts women and children. as the AWG chairman mentioned, they are frequently enough the majority of victims. Existing healthcare infrastructure is severely strained, and specialized care for mothers and children is often inaccessible. indonesia, viewing support for Palestine as a constitutional imperative, saw this project as a tangible way to address a dire humanitarian need, providing essential medical services and support to vulnerable populations.

Archyde: the project is a collaboration between the Aqsa Working Group, Maemuna Center indonesia, and the Indonesian government. how do these entities work together to ensure the hospital’s successful implementation and long-term sustainability?

Dr.Amina Khairunissa: It’s a collaborative effort leveraging each entity’s strengths. the Aqsa Working Group, with its experiance in managing humanitarian projects in Palestine, provides invaluable on-the-ground coordination and logistical support. Maemuna Center Indonesia brings expertise in healthcare management and management, ensuring the hospital operates efficiently. Official backing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides crucial diplomatic and political support, facilitating necessary approvals and partnerships. Long-term sustainability will be ensured through complete training programs for local healthcare professionals and establishing robust supply chains for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Archyde: The Indonesia Hospital in northern Gaza,managed by MER-C,has been operational for several years. What lessons have been learned from that facility, and how are those insights being incorporated into the RSIA Indonesia project?

dr. Amina Khairunissa: The Indonesia Hospital has been a beacon of hope, especially during periods of intense conflict.We’ve learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community engagement. RSIA Indonesia will build upon those lessons by implementing enhanced security protocols, ensuring staff well-being, and establishing strong relationships with local communities. We’re also focusing on creating redundant systems for essential services like power and water, ensuring operational continuity even under challenging circumstances.

Archyde: Construction is slated to begin in April 2025.What are the immediate next steps, and what challenges do you anticipate in this project, considering the volatile situation in the region?

Dr. Amina Khairunissa: The immediate next step is the site survey by representatives from Maemuna Center and AWG to finalize preparations for construction. We anticipate several challenges, including security concerns, logistical hurdles related to transporting materials and equipment, and potential delays due to unforeseen circumstances. However, we are committed to working closely with local partners and international organizations to mitigate these risks and ensure the project progresses smoothly and safely.

Archyde: Dr. Amina, RSIA Indonesia symbolizes hope and solidarity. Beyond providing healthcare,what message do you hope this project sends to the people of Gaza and the international community?

Dr. Amina Khairunissa: We hope RSIA Indonesia conveys a message of unwavering support and a commitment to a brighter future. It’s a tangible expression of solidarity, demonstrating that the world hasn’t forgotten the people of Gaza. We also hope it inspires other nations and organizations to contribute to rebuilding Gaza and ensuring access to essential services for all its residents. We hope it serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and healing are always possible.

Archyde: Dr. Amina Khairunissa, thank you for your valuable insights. One final, thought-provoking question for our readers: What other impactful, long-term initiatives do you believe are crucial for supporting the sustained well-being of women and children in conflict zones, and how can individuals contribute beyond monetary donations?