Indonesia Affirms Unwavering Support for Palestinian Independence

Mass Rally in Jakarta Highlights Constitutional Mandate and Humanitarian Aid

Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian government reiterated its steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause during a large public gathering at Jakarta’s National Monument on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Foreign Minister Sugiono addressed the crowd, emphasizing that support for Palestinian statehood is deeply ingrained in the nation’s foundational principles.

Constitutional Duty to Palestine

Speaking on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto, Minister Sugiono declared that Indonesia’s backing for Palestinian independence transcends mere political rhetoric, describing it as a duty mandated by the nation’s 1945 Constitution. He stated that Indonesia fundamentally rejects all forms of colonialism.

“President Prabowo has been clear from the beginning: Palestinian independence is part of Indonesia’s struggle. This is not just a speech − it’s a duty mandated by our 1945 Constitution. Indonesia will never accept any form of colonialism,”

—Sugiono, Indonesian Foreign Minister

The minister strongly condemned actions such as genocide, the deliberate use of starvation, and forced evacuations of Palestinians. He outlined Indonesia’s comprehensive strategy, which includes both diplomatic engagement and substantial humanitarian assistance.

Humanitarian Aid and Diplomatic Push

Minister Sugiono highlighted the scale of Indonesia’s aid efforts, noting that over 4,400 tons of logistical support have already been dispatched. He announced further immediate plans to send an additional 10,000 tons of rice to Palestinians.

Beyond material aid, Sugiono detailed Indonesia’s active role in international forums, including ASEAN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He emphasized President Prabowo‘s consistent advocacy for Palestine on the global stage.

“President Prabowo consistently voices support for Palestine on the global stage. As Foreign Minister, I am tasked with continuing that diplomacy with concrete action,” Sugiono affirmed.

The minister concluded by reassuring the Palestinian people of their solidarity with Indonesia. He assured them they are consistently remembered, advocated for, and cared for by the Indonesian populace. He expressed a shared belief that collective efforts, fueled by hope and firm resolve, move closer to the objective of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

His address concluded with a powerful declaration of solidarity: “Merdeka! Merdeka!” (Freedom! Freedom!).

Indonesia’s stance is reinforced by its consistent humanitarian contributions. For example, since October 2023, Turkey has sent over 1,000 tons of aid to Gaza, demonstrating a broader regional commitment to alleviating the crisis (Anadolu Agency, 2023).

Tsunami Warning Lifted After Powerful Kamchatka Quake

Indonesia Assesses Minimal Impact, Pacific Nations Monitor Waves

An imminent tsunami threat to Indonesia has been officially declared over. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has rescinded its early warning following a substantial undersea earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

Wave Activity Subsides

BMKG announced the termination of the tsunami alert early Thursday morning, July 31, 2025. All Indonesian tide gauge readings indicated a significant reduction in wave energy, confirming that the immediate danger had passed.

“We, BMKG, are terminating the Tsunami Early Warning caused by the Kamchatka Earthquake (Mag: 8.7, Date: 30-Jul-25, 06:24:50 WIB), because all marigrams in Indonesia show a pattern that is already tapering and diminishing,” BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center Director, Daryono, said.

The magnitude 8.7 earthquake, originating at a depth of 18 kilometers along the Kurile-Kamchatka Trench, had initially triggered concerns for coastal areas in eastern Indonesia. BMKG had previously cautioned about potential waves under 0.5 meters in regions including the Talaud Islands, Manokwari, Biak, and Jayapura.

Fortunately, no damage or injuries have been reported in any Indonesian territories. Authorities have declared all initially affected zones to be safe.

Pacific-Wide Alert Status

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) had also issued alerts spanning Russia, Japan, Alaska, the Philippines, Guam, Hawaii, and numerous Pacific island nations. Several territories, such as Guam, Palau, Tonga, and American Samoa, enacted precautionary evacuations due to anticipated wave heights ranging from 0.3 to 3 meters.

Many regions remain vigilant, with local authorities maintaining temporary coastal restrictions until wave patterns fully stabilize. As of the latest reports, tsunami waves generated by the event have generally been smaller than initially feared, consistent with patterns observed in past moderate-to-large undersea seismic events.

Massive Undersea Quake Off Kamchatka Triggers Widespread Tsunami Alerts Across Pacific

A powerful magnitude -8.7 undersea earthquake struck off teh eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula earlier today, prompting significant tsunami alerts across a vast swathe of the Pacific Ocean, including Indonesia, Japan, and several Pacific island nations. The seismic event, originating at a depth of 18 kilometers within the Kurile-Kamchatka Trench, has raised concerns about potential coastal inundation and hazardous sea level fluctuations.

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has indicated that the quake could generate tsunami waves of less than 0.5 meters in height in several coastal areas of eastern Indonesia. BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center Director, Daryono, advised communities in affected regions to remain calm, stay clear of the shoreline, and await official updates. As of 8:30 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), BMKG had registered at least seven aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 5.4 to 6.9. no damage or casualties have been reported in indonesian territory as a result of the initial quake.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has also issued alerts for potential tsunami impacts in Russia, Japan, Alaska, the Philippines, Hawaii, and Guam.

Pacific Islands Mobilize Amidst Tsunami Threat

Several Pacific island governments have responded to the seismic event by issuing evacuation orders and tsunami warnings. In Guam,the homeland Security and Civil Defense Office has warned of significant threat levels to Guam,Rota,Tinian,and Saipan,anticipating possible hazardous sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents. Waves were projected to arrive as early as 2:30 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST),with residents advised to move at least 30 meters inland and seek higher ground 15 meters above sea level.

american samoa is preparing for waves of up to 3 meters, with an estimated arrival time of around 9:39 p.m. local time, according to U.S.meteorological agencies. Other regions issuing similar tsunami alerts include Palau, expecting wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter with an arrival time of 3:19 p.m.local time, and Tonga, anticipating waves of 0.3 to 1 meter with an estimated arrival time of 9:25 p.m.

Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Marshall Islands, and jarvis Island are also expecting waves ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter.

BMKG has reiterated it’s appeal to the Indonesian public to rely solely on official information channels and disregard unverified online reports. The agency is actively monitoring seismic activity and ocean conditions in real-time.

According to BMKG data, specific areas under tsunami alert status in Indonesia include:

Talaud Islands (estimated arrival: 14:52:24 Central Indonesia Time or WITA)
Gorontalo City (estimated arrival: 16:39:54 WITA)
North Halmahera (estimated arrival: 16:04:24 eastern Indonesia Time or WIT)
Manokwari (estimated arrival: 16:08:54 WIT)
Raja Ampat (estimated arrival: 16:18:54 WIT)
Biak Numfor (estimated arrival: 16:21:54 WIT)
Supiori (estimated arrival: 16:21:54 WIT)
Sorong (North) (estimated arrival: 16:24:54 WIT)
Jayapura (estimated arrival: 16:30:24 WIT)
sarmi (estimated arrival: 16:30:24 WIT)

Authorities across the Pacific region are maintaining a heightened state of alert as aftershocks and sea-level anomalies continue to be observed throughout the day.

Contextual Information on Subduction Zones and Tsunami Generation

The earthquake’s origin in the Kurile-Kamchatka Trench highlights the significant seismic activity associated with subduction zones. A subduction zone is a geological area where one tectonic plate slides beneath another.This process, driven by the Earth’s mantle convection, can lead to immense pressure buildup. When this pressure is released suddenly, it generates powerful earthquakes.

The depth of an earthquake plays a crucial role in its potential to generate a tsunami. While shallower earthquakes are frequently enough more destructive on land due to their proximity to the surface, undersea earthquakes at moderate depths, like the one off Kamchatka