Accounts of Indonesian Citizens Pursued by Israeli Ships in Global Sumud Flotilla
Two Indonesian citizens, Herman Budianto and Ronggo Wirsanu, have recounted their experiences of being pursued by Israeli Zionist soldiers while sailing in the Mediterranean Sea towards Gaza, Palestine. Both are volunteers with the Global Sumud Flotilla, a mission dedicated to humanitarian aid for Palestinian independence and peace.
Global Peace Convoy Indonesia received reports of interception attempts by the Israeli military against ships carrying hundreds of humanitarian volunteers on Monday afternoon, 18 May 2026. This included several vessels carrying Indonesian delegations as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla mission.
Herman Budianto and Ronggo Wirsanu were aboard the ship Zefiro. As of Monday, 18 May 2026, at 21:20, the vessel carrying both men was monitored to be still sailing and had not yet been intercepted by the Israeli military.
During a virtual press conference on Monday, 18 May 2026, Herman described seeing two warships, suspected to belong to the Israeli military, approaching his vessel. “These warships deployed small boats that moved closer, chasing our ships,” he stated.
He noted that the captain and crew were experienced, allowing them to manoeuvre to avoid the Israeli military pursuit amidst turbulent sea conditions. Herman expressed gratitude that they had managed to evade the pursuit.
The Zefiro, carrying the two Indonesian delegates, remains committed to continuing its voyage to Gaza to fulfil its humanitarian mission for the Palestinian people. Ronggo Wirsanu, an Indonesian humanitarian activist on the same ship, stated that they remain vigilant regarding further pursuit by Israeli forces. “We remain alert and have established shifts to guard and monitor the situation,” he said.
In addition to Herman and Ronggo, seven other Indonesian citizens are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. From that group, five individuals have reportedly been abducted by Israeli soldiers. On the ship Bolarize, Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono and two Malaysian citizens have been detained by the Israeli military. On another ship, Ozgurluk, three Indonesian citizens—Tempo TV journalist Andre Prasetyo, Republika journalist Thoudy Badai, and iNews journalist Heru Rahendro—were also abducted by Israeli forces during the humanitarian mission to Gaza.
Another Indonesian citizen, Andi Angga, has also been abducted by Israeli forces while travelling with another group on the ship Josef. Meanwhile, two Indonesian citizens are still sailing as of Monday night: Asad Aras and Hendro Prasetyo on the ship Kasri Sadabad, and Herman Budianto and Ronggo Wirsanu on the ship Zefiro.
This data was confirmed by the Media Coordinator of Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, Harfin Naqsyabandy.