Five Indonesian Citizens Detained by Israel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there are five Indonesian citizens detained by the Israeli military while taking part in the international humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla in the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Monday, 18 May 2026.
“In total, there are nine Indonesian citizens who were members of Global Peace Convoy Indonesia for the GSF 2.0 mission, and five of them are reported to have been detained by the Israeli military in waters around Cyprus or the eastern Mediterranean,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang in a video message on Thursday, 19 May 2026.
Meanwhile, four Indonesian citizens sailing on two different ships remain near the waters of Cyprus. Yvonne said the on-the-ground situation remains highly dynamic, so those four Indonesians remain in a vulnerable position and could be intercepted by the Israeli military at any time.
Yvonne said the Foreign Ministry continues to monitor developments, verify the positions and conditions of the Indonesian nationals, and prepare protective measures as needed on the ground.
“The Foreign Ministry urges the Israeli government to immediately release all ships and crews of the international humanitarian mission that are detained, and to ensure the continuation of the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law,” she said.
The Foreign Ministry states Indonesia has also joined nine countries—Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Spain—in a joint statement strongly condemning Israel’s attack on the GSF. “Indonesia’s representatives remain on standby to promptly act on notifications from local authorities,” said Yvonne.
The five Indonesians detained by the Israeli army are aboard the ships Bolarize, Ozgurluk, and Josef. On the Bolarize, there is Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono. While on the Ozgurluk, there are three Indonesians: Andre Prasetyo, a Tempo journalist; Thoudy Badai; and Rahendro Herubowo. The remaining individual is humanitarian activist Andi Angga aboard the Josef.
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Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to this article.