Chair of the Indonesian Red Cross Jusuf Kalla (right) with Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi (left) in Jakarta on March 18, 2026. (ANTARA)
The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI – Palang Merah Indonesia) is considering sending medical assistance to Iran following a formal request from Tehran, amid rising concerns over strained healthcare capacity due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Chairman Jusuf Kalla said the request was conveyed by Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi during a meeting at PMI headquarters in South Jakarta on March 18. He noted that Iran is currently facing shortages in hospital facilities and medical supplies, making external support increasingly urgent.
Kalla explained that any aid would be delivered through established international humanitarian channels, particularly the Red Cross and Red Crescent network, rather than through direct government-to-government mechanisms. Distribution is expected to be routed via neighbouring countries such as Turkey, with alternative pathways through Pakistan or Turkey also under consideration to ensure faster delivery.
Cost efficiency remains a key factor in the planning process. Kalla highlighted that sourcing medicines closer to the affected areas may be more practical, citing that pharmaceutical prices in Pakistan can be significantly lower than in Indonesia. PMI is currently assessing the scale and type of assistance required, including essential medicines and medical equipment, while coordinating closely with the Health Ministry on technical arrangements.
The initiative underscores Indonesia’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian assistance through multilateral channels. It comes as tensions involving Iran continue to escalate, raising broader concerns over access to critical healthcare services for affected populations.
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