TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that nine Indonesian citizens participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy bound for the Gaza Strip, were detained after Israeli forces intercepted their vessels at sea.
“Based on the latest information, nine Indonesian citizens who are members of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) taking part in the GSF 2.0 mission have all been reported detained by Israel,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela said in a written statement to Antara in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
The ministry said it is working with Indonesian diplomatic missions in the region and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and protection of all affected nationals. Efforts are being carried out intensively through diplomatic and consular channels.
Among the nine Indonesians detained were three journalists from national media outlets: Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai from Republika, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho from Tempo.
Nabyl said Indonesia is maximizing all available diplomatic and consular measures to secure the release and protection of its citizens.
“These measures will continue until all participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza can return safely to Indonesia,” he said.
He also urged the Israeli government to immediately release the detained vessels and all crew members involved in the humanitarian mission.
Earlier, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said following the initial detention of five Indonesian citizens on Monday, May 18, 2026, the situation remained fluid, with additional participants who had avoided the initial interception still considered at risk of detention.
She added that Indonesian embassies in Cairo, Rome, Amman, and Istanbul had been placed on alert and were preparing contingency support for affected citizens.
According to Yvonne, Indonesian diplomatic missions are also prepared to issue emergency travel documents (SPLP/Laissez-Passer) if passports are confiscated, and to provide medical assistance where necessary.
Indonesia has strongly condemned the interception of the flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid and international volunteers, including Indonesian citizens.
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that all actions are being directed toward ensuring the safe return of Indonesian nationals and safeguarding humanitarian principles under international law.
Read: Latest Updates on Indonesians Held by Israel After Gaza Flotilla Raid
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