Indonesia pledges support for Palestinian education
Indonesia says it will support education for young Palestinians affected by prolonged conflict, according to Antara. The statement was delivered at a UNESCO meeting in Paris.
PARIS — Indonesia has pledged to support the continuation of education for young Palestinians affected by prolonged conflict, according to Antara. The statement was made on Monday, 19 October 2026, during the sixth day of the 225th session of the UNESCO Executive Board.
Indonesia's deputy permanent representative to UNESCO, IGAK Satrya Wibawa, called for stronger international cooperation so that schooling run by the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, can continue. "Education is not merely a need during conflict, but the foundation for recovery, development and the future of Palestine," Satrya said in a written statement issued in Jakarta on Tuesday, according to Antara.
Indonesia also expressed deep concern over destroyed education facilities, movement restrictions and operational obstacles, according to the report. It stressed the need for adequate and sustained UNRWA funding.
According to UNESCO data cited by Antara, about 745,000 students in Gaza have lost access to school for more than two academic years since October 2023. About 88,000 of them are higher education students. UNRWA warned in March 2026 that about 48,000 Palestinian refugee students in the West Bank also face disruption.
Antara reported that Indonesia's support includes a master's scholarship programme for 200 students, launched on 9 September by the National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. It also cites aid channelled through Egypt worth about $22.55 million as of February 2026, according to the Indonesian embassy in Cairo.
Satrya said Indonesia backs UNESCO's plans to expand emergency learning, teacher training and psychosocial services. The report says curriculum development should respect Palestinian national ownership and the authority of the Palestinian Authority.
Background
Antara said UNESCO reported in a 15 October 2026 update that about 40,000 students had benefited from the Gaza Virtual Campus network and temporary learning spaces. The agency also said physical repair of schools and universities remains urgent.
The Antara report did not include a response from UNESCO or UNRWA.
How the story developed
- October 20, 2026Rights groups document Palestinian prisoners shot at close range
- October 20, 2026German delegation meets Palestinian police chief in Jenin
- October 20, 2026Israel extends ban on Sheikh Ikrima Sabri from Al-Aqsa
- October 21, 2026Indonesia pledges support for Palestinian education
Sources
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