Batam, Riau Islands, Aug. 9 -- The Riau Islands provincial government has reaffirmed its readiness to follow the president's instruction to prepare medical facilities on Galang Island for treating up to 2,000 Palestinians from Gaza.

"The hospital is already there; the beds and accommodations are also ready," Riau Islands Deputy Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura said on Saturday.

Calling it a "humanitarian mission," Pratamura explained that the Galang Island Infectious Disease Hospital (RSKI) - previously used for COVID-19 patients - could be reactivated to accommodate Palestinian refugees.

He said the refugees are expected to arrive in phases, with each batch consisting of 300 to 500 people, depending on central government planning. Al...