After Israeli Detention, Thoudy Badai Urges Public to Keep Advocating for Palestine

JAKARTA, Kompas.com - Republika journalist Thoudy Badai recounted his experience during the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 humanitarian mission, which ended in interception by the Israeli military. Thoudy stated he embarked as a journalist to document the voyage and conditions aboard the ship. He said his primary role was to report and capture images, particularly during emergencies. Thus, when the vessel was intercepted, he tried to ensure all events were documented. However, documentation efforts were hindered after communication networks were reportedly cut, preventing the recorded material from being sent. Thoudy and other Indonesian delegation members were subsequently detained. “Unfortunately, during filming, our network was cut off and jammed, so the footage couldn’t be sent. I was intercepted along with other Indonesian delegation members,” he said. During the approximately four days of detention, Thoudy said he endured harsh treatment. Nevertheless, the experience made him reflect on the suffering of Palestinians, who he said face even harsher conditions without guaranteed freedom. Thoudy stressed that public attention should remain focused on the Palestinian struggle, not just the experiences of returning activists or delegations. “This is not about me or my colleagues, but about Palestine. Keep raising your voice for Palestine, continue supporting Palestine until it is free,” Thoudy said. “I naturally want to rest, meet my family, go home, and then return to work as a journalist,” he added.