Family moved to tears after journalist Thoudy is confirmed safe and released
Video calls and news from Thoudy arrived on Thursday night at around 21:30 Western Indonesia Time (WIB). Bandung (ANTARA) - The family of photojournalist Thoudy Badai Rifanbillah said they were moved after confirming that their son is safe after being detained by Israeli military authorities while covering the humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0.
Thoudy’s mother, Hany Hanifa Humanisa, said the certainty came after the family made a direct video call on Thursday (21 May) at around 21:30 WIB.
‘The direct video call and news from Thoudy came Thursday night around 21:30 WIB. We never expected it. We can be sure he is safe because we spoke to him directly, heard his voice, and saw his face on the screen,’ she said in Bandung on Friday.
She explained that Thoudy is currently in Turkey and using equipment belonging to staff of the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI).
‘Not much to tell, just a hello, asking how he was. He said he is in the queue, so the phone is used by all volunteers who want to contact their families. So just asking how we were, laughing, not much talk,’ she said.
She also conveyed that overall Thoudy’s condition looked good, although the family is still awaiting results of further medical examinations related to his physical condition which had drawn concern.
‘What is visible is that he appears physically healthy. Only thing is Thoudy’s leg seems to limp, but we do not want to speculate,’ she said.
In the meantime, the family expressed deep appreciation and thanks to the Indonesian Government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is seen as having acted quickly and responsively in ensuring protection and repatriation of Indonesian citizens.
‘There was a MoFA official who contacted me and conveyed a positive response. I appreciate the negotiating efforts that yielded results. Proof is that now we know all the volunteers have been released, albeit still transiting in Turkey,’ she said.
Appreciation was also extended to various other parties, including media and organisations that helped with the process.
Now the family hopes Thoudy will soon return to the homeland to be reunited after a period of anxiety and long wait.