DPR Commends Friendly Nations for Assistance in Repatriating 9 Indonesians Detained by Israel
Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Commission I, Budisatrio Djiwandono, expressed appreciation to friendly nations, particularly Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan, for their crucial role in facilitating the repatriation of nine Indonesians. The Indonesians had been detained by Israeli authorities while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 humanitarian mission.
Budisatrio expressed gratitude for the safe return of the volunteers to Indonesia, attributing the success to effective cross-border diplomatic communication by the Indonesian government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We are grateful that all nine of our compatriots have returned safely to Indonesia. Cross-border collaboration and diplomatic communication are crucial in handling sensitive situations like this,” Budisatrio stated in Jakarta on Monday (25 May).
Despite welcoming the volunteers’ return, Commission I of the House of Representatives strongly condemned the Israeli military’s treatment during detention. Budisatrio deemed the repressive actions against the humanitarian volunteers as violations of international norms.
“We condemn the violence and any treatment contrary to international humanitarian law experienced by our nine Indonesians during detention,” he stressed, adding that every citizen undertaking a humanitarian mission must have their rights and safety guaranteed by the state.
Budisatrio further affirmed that the incident would not diminish Indonesia’s support for the Palestinian people’s struggle. The House of Representatives is committed to continuing diplomatic efforts to achieve Palestinian independence through a two-state solution.
“Commission I of the House of Representatives will continue to support the Palestinian independence struggle via the two-state solution as the path to lasting peace. Palestinian independence remains a commitment we will always fight for,” he concluded.
The government’s swift action in repatriating the volunteers is seen as tangible proof of the state’s presence in protecting its citizens abroad, particularly those on humanitarian missions in conflict zones.