Family Reveals Thoudy Badai's Last Contact Before Abduction by Israel
Bandung — The mother of journalist Thoudy Badai, Hani Hanifa Humanisa (56), has revealed the last contact with her son before he was reported to have been abducted by Israeli forces while taking part in a humanitarian mission to Gaza.
Hani said the last communication with the family occurred on Monday (18 May 2026) at 02:19 WIB, when her son was in international waters on the journey from Marmaris to Gaza.
“We were still in contact until yesterday, Monday, at 02:19 WIB, and he sent a message saying he had reached international waters, which would mean he should be safe,” she told reporters in Bandung, West Java, on Tuesday (19 May 2026).
She said communications during the journey were limited and only at certain times depending on field conditions.
“Not very frequent; mostly at specific moments. Usually when shifting or we ask about his condition, such as where he is eating or where he is,” she said.
Hani explained the family had engaged in lengthy discussions about the risks that might be faced in the mission before departure, including the worst-case scenarios that had been discussed from the start.
“We talked at length with Odi (Thoudy Badai). I asked about his general condition, then the risks, what the worst risks are. We already knew the situation there,” she said.
She added that initially she did not give permission when Thoudy joined training in Tunisia in preparation for Gaza, but later gave permission after seeing her son’s conviction and readiness.
“At that time I did not give consent because of deep concerns. But I saw there was passion (enthusiasm) in Odi, so I allowed it,” she said.
Hani also noted that the decision to allow the departure was taken after her son conveyed his level of conviction to participate in the mission.
On that occasion, she said the family understood the complexity of the situation on the ground. The family entrusted the handling of Thoudy’s repatriation to the Indonesian Government.
“We have full trust in the Indonesian Government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant agencies, which we believe are working through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and repatriation of the volunteers,” she said.
She also said the family continues to monitor developments regarding Thoudy Badai’s condition and is waiting for official information from relevant authorities. The family also hopes that the communications process and diplomatic efforts can proceed smoothly so that the volunteers involved can soon obtain clear information.