The government has denied reports suggesting that it sanctions the plan to relocate Gaza residents to Indonesia under a voluntary migration pilot program initiated by the Israel government. 

Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Rolliansyah Soemirat, clarified on Thursday, March 27 , 2025 that no such discussions or agreements have been made with any party regarding the matter.

“The Indonesian government has never discussed or received any information regarding the planned relocation of Gaza residents to Indonesia, as reported by some foreign media,” Soemirat said as quoted in a statement on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

He emphasized that there has been no negotiation or agreement between Indonesia and any party on this matter, while stressing that Indonesia remains focused on advocating for a second phase of the ceasefire, ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid, and supporting the reconstruction of Gaza.

“At this moment, our priority is to push for the realization of the second phase of the ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and ensure the commencement of Gaza’s reconstruction,” Soemirat said.

An Israeli media jns.com reported that for the first time, approximately 100 Palestinians from Gaza will travel to Indonesia for employment in the construction sector as part of a voluntary migration pilot program, Hebrew media reported on Wednesday.

The initiative is overseen by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), led by Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, according to Channel 12 News. If successful, responsibility for the program will shift to Israel’s Migration Directorate, established by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

The goal of the pilot program is to demonstrate the feasibility of voluntary migration and encourage thousands of Gazans to take up construction jobs in Indonesia, according to the report. While international law permits those who leave Gaza for work to return, the broader objective is to facilitate long-term migration, contingent upon Indonesia’s cooperation.

The program, according media reports, follows discussions with the Indonesian government, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties between Israel and Indonesia. Establishing a communication channel between the two nations was necessary to implement the initiative. If the pilot program proves effective, the Migration Directorate will take the lead in future efforts to relocate Gazans abroad and secure employment opportunities for them.

Katz is expected to appoint a director for the Migration Directorate in the coming days, according to Channel 12. One previously mentioned candidate, Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, appears to be out of contention for the role.

Israel’s Security Cabinet on Saturday night approved Katz’s proposal to establish a new directorate within the ministry to facilitate the voluntary emigration of residents from the Gaza Strip.

The newly formed directorate was tasked with overseeing the “safe and controlled passage of Gaza residents for their voluntary departure,” according to a statement from Katz’s office. This includes managing logistics such as securing movement routes, processing individuals at designated crossings, and coordinating the necessary infrastructure to support travel by land, sea and air.

Katz emphasized that the initiative aligns with international law and the vision of U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

“We are working with all means to implement the U.S. president’s vision, and we will allow any Gaza resident who wants to move to a third state to do so,” he said.