Indonesia Demands Action After Citizens Abducted by Israeli Forces

The brazen interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla and the abduction of humanitarian activists, including Indonesian citizens, by Israeli forces in international waters on Monday, May 18, 2026, has drawn strong condemnation. The Gerakan Pemuda (GP) Ansor, through its Legal Aid Institute chairman Dendy Zuhairil Finsa, has voiced deep concern, particularly given the presence of Indonesian nationals among those taken. This mission, aimed at delivering aid to victims of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, was purely driven by humanitarian principles.

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We condemn the actions of the IDF, especially since they were carried out in international waters.

GP Ansor urgently calls upon the Indonesian government, specifically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to take immediate, maximal, swift, and measured diplomatic steps to guarantee the safety of all abducted Indonesian citizens. Among those reportedly detained are two journalists from Republika, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai Rifan. Their detention highlights the risks faced by media personnel and aid workers attempting to reach besieged populations.

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We hope the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, will immediately take maximum, fast, and measured diplomatic steps to ensure the safety of all arrested Indonesian citizens.

Furthermore, GP Ansor encourages the Indonesian government to actively coordinate with global organizations and friendly nations. This collaboration is vital to ensure that the principles of international humanitarian law are respected by all parties involved in the conflict. The organization emphasizes that the arrest of journalists in conflict zones should not impede journalistic work or humanitarian missions, as freedom of the press and the protection of civilians are fundamental tenets of international law that must be upheld.

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The arrest of journalists in conflict zones should not be an obstacle to journalistic work and humanitarian missions. Freedom of the press and the protection of civilians are important principles in international law that must be maintained.

We implore the Indonesian public to respond with humanitarian solidarity, prayers, and moral support, avoiding provocation by narratives of hatred that could worsen the situation. Support for the Palestinian humanitarian cause must remain constitutional, peaceful, and dignified. Solidarity should not devolve into actions that exacerbate tensions. We trust that the state will not be late to act when its citizens face dangerous situations abroad; the protection of Indonesian citizens is a constitutional mandate that must be fulfilled seriously and maximally.

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We believe the state cannot be late when its citizens face dangerous situations abroad. Protection of Indonesian citizens is a constitutional mandate that must be carried out seriously and maximally.