Latest Updates on Indonesians Held by Israel After Gaza Flotilla Raid

The Israeli military's interception and detention of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission, which included Indonesian volunteers, has drawn strong condemnation from Indonesia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that five Indonesian citizens were arrested during the operation that began on Monday, May 18, 2026. As a nation committed to humanitarian aid and the safety of its citizens abroad, Tempo.co is closely monitoring and reporting on these developments.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the action of the Israeli military intercepting several ships and capturing Indonesian WNI volunteers.

Nine Indonesian citizens were part of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia's mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. While five were detained on ships like Bolarize, Ozgurluk, and Josef – including journalists Bambang Noroyono (Republika) and Andre Prasetyo (Tempo), photographer Thoudy Badai (Republika), and activist Andi Angga – four others remain in a precarious situation near Cyprus. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang, stated that the situation is dynamic and the remaining four Indonesians are vulnerable to interception.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Indonesia has also joined nine countries, namely Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Pakistan, and Spain in a joint statement condemning Israel's attack on GSF.

Indonesia has taken a firm stance, joining nine other nations in a joint statement condemning Israel's actions. This collective diplomatic effort underscores the international concern over the incident. From Indonesia's perspective, the safety and well-being of our citizens, especially those engaged in humanitarian work, are paramount. While international media may focus on the geopolitical implications, our primary concern, as reflected in our reporting, is the welfare of the detained volunteers and the swiftness of their release. We are actively communicating with Indonesian representatives and partner nations to secure their freedom, emphasizing the need for adherence to international humanitarian principles and the protection of civilians.

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Indonesian representatives are always on standby to promptly follow up on notifications from local authorities.