Efforts to Free Indonesian Citizens: Press Council Urges Diplomatic Channel

Chair of the Indonesian Press Council, Komaruddin Hidayat, has urged the government to use its diplomatic channels to secure the release of journalists and other Indonesian nationals detained by the Israeli military. The Israeli Navy intercepted and detained the crew and passengers aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0, an international civilian coalition attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, Palestine, on Monday, 18 May 2026.

‘The Press Council asks the government to use its diplomatic channels to free journalists and other Indonesian civilians detained by the Israeli military. This includes assisting with their repatriation to Indonesia,’ Komaruddin Hidayat said in a written statement on 19 May 2026.

The Press Council also criticised the Israeli military for intercepting and detaining Indonesian journalists along with other civilian crew in international waters as they were en route to Gaza, Palestine.

Nine Indonesians participated in the Global Sumud flotilla, part of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI). Among them, three were journalists: Bambang Noroyono of Republika, Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah of Republika; Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of Tempo TV. Also among them were a CNN contributor, and contributors for BeritaSatu and Inews TV, Rahendro Herubowo.

The Global Sumud fleet departed from Marmaris, Turkey, on Thursday, 14 May 2026, with 54 ships and crews from around 70 countries, carrying food and medicines. The fleet had entered international waters and was around 310 nautical miles from Gaza when intercepted by the Israeli military.

Komaruddin said the Press Council has been communicating with the editors of Republika and Tempo TV to monitor developments. Both media outlets received confirmed information about the detention of their journalists on Monday night in Jakarta time.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry is coordinating with several Indonesian embassies in various countries to prepare preventative steps. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said the ministry has asked the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, Rome, Amman, and the Consulate General in Istanbul to prepare anticipatory measures such as issuing a Travel Document in lieu of a Passport (SPLP) if Indonesian passports are seized, and to provide medical support if required.

‘Representations by Indonesia will also approach local authorities to ensure transfer access and that the repatriation of Indonesians proceeds without immigration obstacles,’ Yvonne said in a video message to Tempo on 19 May 2026.

Yvonne said steps are being taken after five of the nine Indonesians on the mission were kidnapped. The four remaining Indonesians aboard two different vessels are still sailing in the vicinity of Cyprus.

‘The situation on the ground remains highly dynamic. The four Indonesians still at sea are in a vulnerable position and could be intercepted or detained by the Israeli military at any time,’ she said.

The Foreign Ministry through its Indonesian representations will continue to monitor developments, verify the positions and conditions of the Indonesians, and prepare protective steps as required on the ground.

Of the nine Indonesians on the mission, five were abducted by Israeli soldiers. On the vessel Bolarize, Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono and two Malaysian nationals were detained by the Israeli military. On the vessel Ozgurluk, three Indonesian journalists were abducted: Andre Prasetyo of Tempo; Thoudy Badai of Republika; and Heru Rahendro, a contributor for Inews, Beritasatu, and CNN. Another Indonesian there, humanitarian activist Andi Angga, was also abducted with the rest of the convoy on the vessel Josef.