9 Indonesian Citizens Abducted by Israel Return to Indonesia

Nine Indonesian citizens abducted by Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) arrived in Indonesia on Sunday (24 May). The aircraft carrying the nine citizens landed at approximately 16:00 WIB at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. The citizens were not immediately visible at the arrival gate as they were still undergoing immigration and baggage checks. Dozens of relatives and members of the public, carrying flags and banners while wearing keffiyehs or scarves symbolising Palestinian identity, were present to greet them at the airport. They were flown from Istanbul, Turkey, on Saturday (23 May) evening. The GSF activists were detained by Israeli forces for three to four days after being intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters on 18 May 2026. During their detention, several activists reported being tortured by Israeli soldiers. The detentions drew widespread condemnation and protests from the activists’ home countries. Following intense pressure, Israel released the GSF activists, who were then evacuated to Istanbul, Turkey, on 21 May 2026. The list of Indonesian volunteers from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) who were abducted by Israeli forces and have returned home is as follows: 1. Herman Budianto Sudarsono (GPCI - Dompet Dhuafa), Ship Zapyro 2. Ronggo Wirasanu (GPCI - Dompet Dhuafa), Ship Zapyro 3. Andi Angga Prasadewa (GPCI - Rumah Zakat), Ship Josef 4. Asad Aras Muhammad (GPCI - Spirit of Aqso), Ship Kasr-1 5. Hendro Prasetyo (GPCI - SMART 171), Ship Kasr-1 6. Bambang Noroyono (REPUBLIKA), Ship BoraLize 7. Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah (REPUBLIKA), Ship Ozgurluk 8. Andre Prasetyo Nugroho (Tempo), Ship Ozgurluk 9. Rahendro Herubowo (GPCI Media Team and Media Contributor), Ship Ozgurluk