
The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul has denied claims that some of Gaza’s 2 million inhabitants could be relocated to Indonesia as part of postconflict reconstruction efforts.
In a press statement shared with The Korea Herald on Wednesday, the embassy underlined that the Indonesian government had neither received any information nor been approached with any plans concerning such a relocation.
The statement follows a report by US TV network NBC that Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, suggested relocating some of Gaza's population to Indonesia during reconstruction, citing an unnamed transition official as the source.
“Indonesia’s stance remains unequivocal: any attempts to displace or remove Gaza’s residents are entirely unacceptable,” the statement said, reaffirming Indonesia's stance.
The embassy also warned that proposals to depopulate Gaza could have far-reaching consequences.
“Such efforts to depopulate Gaza would only serve to perpetuate the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and align with broader strategies aimed at expelling Palestinians from Gaza,” the statement read.
“The ceasefire in Gaza must serve as a momentum to start dialogue and negotiations toward realizing a two-state solution, in accordance with international law and internationally agreed parameters,” it added.
Indonesia has consistently supported Palestinian sovereignty and has called for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.