Chronology of Two Republika Journalists Abducted by Israel During Humanitarian Mission to Gaza
Tensions in the waters near Gaza have once again drawn international scrutiny after the Israeli military intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian fleet on Monday, 18 May 2026. During the operation, two journalists from Republika, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, were abducted while performing journalistic and humanitarian duties alongside international volunteers.
The Global Sumud Flotilla was known to be carrying humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people in Gaza, who have faced a blockade and humanitarian crisis for months. The incident has sparked immediate condemnation, as the interception was carried out against civilian vessels in international waters.
Chronology of the Abduction of Two Republika Journalists
The journey of the two Republika journalists began in Turkey in early May 2026. Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai joined the vessel to meet the Global Sumud Flotilla, which had previously spent approximately one week in Greek waters.
On Saturday night, 9 May 2026, the humanitarian ships waiting in southern Turkish waters moved towards the border waters of Turkey and Greece to rendezvous with at least 32 other vessels. Once the fleet merger was complete, approximately 50 humanitarian ships from the GSF docked at Albatros Pier.
From that location, the fleet prepared to continue its sailing mission to break through the Gaza blockade. In a video upload by Republika on 10 May 2026, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai were seen participating in the international humanitarian mission.
The situation escalated on Monday, 18 May 2026, at approximately 11:00 Turkish time. Israeli forces reportedly began intercepting the Global Sumud fleet while it was moving through Cypriot waters, about 200 nautical miles from Gaza.
Before communication was lost, Bambang Noroyono managed to report the presence of Israeli warships approaching the vessel he was on. The warships were reported to be only about one hundred metres away from the Boralize, the ship carrying the volunteers.
Shortly thereafter, reports emerged that Bambang Noriyono had been abducted by Israeli soldiers during the interception operation. Thoudy Badai, who was also part of the volunteer group, was also reported to be a victim of the abduction.
In response to the incident, the Editor-in-Chief of Republika, Andi Muhyiddin, strongly condemned the actions of the Israeli military against the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian fleet. “We strongly condemn the interception carried out by the Zionist Israeli military against the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission in international waters,” said Andi Muhyiddin in an official statement.