All Indonesian Citizens Abducted by Israel Return Home

Nine Indonesian citizens participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 humanitarian mission have arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday afternoon, 24 May 2026. They departed from Istanbul, Turkey, after being abducted by the Israeli military during their humanitarian mission to Palestine.

The group comprises four media personnel: TV Tempo journalist Andre Nugroho, Republika journalists Thoudy Badai and Bambang Noroyono, and iNews journalist Heru Rahendro. They are also joined by five humanitarian activists: Andi Angga, Hendro Prasetyo, Herman Budianto, Ronggo Wirsanu, and Asad Aras.

The arrival of the nine Indonesian citizens was greeted by the public and organisations part of Global Peace Convoy Indonesia. Crowds waiting since the morning held banners reading ‘Welcome, humanitarian fighters’. Palestinian flags were flown during the reception, with ‘Free Palestine’ chants echoing in the international arrivals lobby of Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

Foreign Minister Sugiono and Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulfattah A.K. Al-Sattiri were present to receive the Global Sumud Flotilla activists. ‘Welcome back (Global Sumud Flotilla volunteers). Enjoy reuniting with your families,’ Sugiono said at the airport.

Prior to their flight to Indonesia, all citizens underwent health checks in Istanbul. The Global Sumud Flotilla activists, including Indonesians, endured violent and inhumane treatment during their detention by Israeli forces. These abuses, reported to Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, included beatings, use of tasers and rubber bullets, insults, harassment, and forced painful body positions.

Hundreds of Global Sumud Flotilla volunteers carried humanitarian aid for Gaza’s residents, but the maritime journey involving dozens of ships was intercepted by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean Sea around mid-May. Five vessels carrying Indonesian volunteers were separately boarded.