Democratic Party Secretary-General Urges Immediate Diplomatic Action by Government Over 9 Indonesian Nationals Detained in Israel

Jakarta – Democratic Party Secretary-General Herman Khaeron has called on the government to immediately undertake diplomatic steps following the detention of Indonesian citizens by Israel during a humanitarian voyage with the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0. Khaeron said the nine Indonesians were carrying out a humanitarian mission, so their safety should be a priority. ‘Yes, this country has conventions, has international rules that I think must be mutually respected, and as various parties have said, we are asking for their release,’ he said at the Democratic Party’s Central Executive Committee in Pegangsaan, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (21 May 2026). He asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safety of the Indonesians while also pursuing their release through diplomatic channels. ‘I think we must indeed act diplomatically as soon as possible, asking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; first, to ensure that our activists are safe, that is the important thing. Second, to have them released,’ he stressed. ‘The UN has its own reasoning. I think the UN may also respond to this situation. I hear the UN has begun discussing the issue as well,’ he added. According to information from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, on Wednesday (20 May 2026) the nine Indonesians had sent emergency SOS messages in a video statement that they had been detained. The nine are: Andi Angga Prasadewa on the ship Josef; Rahendro Herubowo on the ship Ozgurluk; Andre Prasetyo Nugroho on the ship Ozgurluk; Thoudy Badai on the ship Ozgurluk; Bambang.