DPR Urges Government to Ensure Safety of Indonesian Citizen-Journalists Kidnapped by Israel

Indonesian Parliament urged the government, through the Foreign Ministry, to give serious attention to the case of five Indonesian nationals abducted by Israeli troops during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza. Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Saan Mustopa, said the government should first ensure the safety of the two Indonesian nationals in question, emphasising that this is important to reassure their families. He also called on other Indonesian representatives aboard the mission who are safe and still at sea not to press to breach the Israeli blockade and enter Gaza.

As of the morning of 19 May, Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), the body representing Indonesia in the GSF, reported that the number of ships intercepted by Israeli forces had risen to 40 from 17 previously. Of the more than 400 participants from 45 nations, 332 were detained. Among the nine Indonesians taking part, five have been confirmed detained, four of whom are journalists: Bambang Noroyono (Republika) aboard BorAlize; Andre Nugroho (Tempo) aboard Ozgurluk; Rahendra Herubowo (Inews) aboard Ozgurluk; Thoudy Badai (Republika) aboard Ozgurluk; and Andi Angga Prasadewa (Rumah Zakat). The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the abduction of Indonesians in the Global Peace Convoy International mission and called on Israel to immediately release all ships and crew members involved, and to ensure the continuation of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang told CNN Indonesia on Monday (18 May) that: “The Israeli military actions that intercepted several ships in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 around the waters of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean are strongly condemned.”