PMI Sends Medical Aid to Iran via Transit Route through Turkey-Pakistan
The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is preparing humanitarian aid consisting of medicines and health equipment for victims of the United States (US) and Israeli attacks on Iran.
PMI General Chairman Jusuf Kalla stated that the aid will not be sent directly from Indonesia, but rather through third countries such as Pakistan or Turkey.
“So, we cannot send medicines directly from Indonesia to Iran. We must send them through countries bordering Iran, namely Pakistan or Turkey,” said Jusuf Kalla at the PMI Central Headquarters in South Jakarta on Wednesday (18/3).
He explained that the delivery will be conducted through humanitarian organisations, not the government, in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent mechanisms.
“Our system is always like that, from the Indonesian Red Cross to the Red Cross (Red Crescent) of Turkey or Pakistan, then to the Iranian Red Crescent,” he said.
Jusuf Kalla noted that the primary needs requested by Iran are medicines and medical equipment, given the conditions of war-affected hospitals.
“The Iranian Ambassador requested aid because there are so many victims, hospitals are struggling, and medicines are scarce. So, what is needed are medicines and health equipment,” he stated.
He added that PMI will not send medicines directly from Indonesia due to efficiency factors and differing standards.
“If sent from Indonesia, the shipping costs could be more expensive than the medicines themselves. It’s better to purchase in the nearest country that meets the needs,” said JK.
In addition, PMI will also send personnel to the intermediary countries to coordinate the aid distribution.
The Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, welcomed the aid plan and appreciated the support from PMI.
“Certainly, His Excellency Mr Jusuf Kalla understands well the humanitarian spirit he possesses and has conveyed that he will endeavour to assist our side,” said Boroujerdi.
Currently, PMI is still calculating the detailed aid requirements before the shipment process takes place in the near future.
The unrest in the Middle East was triggered by joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran since 28 February and continues to rage to this day.
The attacks targeted various strategic facilities, including military installations and defence centres, and killed several high-ranking Iranian officials.