Five Indonesian nationals detained by Israel, observers warn that a bilateral approach will harm Indonesia

Professor Hikmahanto Juwana, a Professor of International Law at the University of Indonesia (UI), said that a bilateral approach would disadvantage Indonesia in its effort to secure the release of five Indonesian nationals detained in Israel. ‘A bilateral approach will disadvantage Indonesia. In fact, the Indonesian public will criticise a government that engages with the Israeli authorities,’ he said in a message on Tuesday (19 May 2026). ‘This would harm the relationship between the people and the government domestically.’ The five Indonesians are on a humanitarian mission with the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver aid to Gaza. Therefore, Hikmahanto advised Indonesia to view this issue within a global context since not only Indonesians are detained, but also other nationals who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0. ‘The issue of the detention of Indonesians is a global issue with Israel. Therefore, in protecting its citizens, Indonesia should act in coordination with the countries whose nationals are held by Israel,’ he said. In this context, the government cannot be blamed. ‘If they cannot secure release given that the detained WNI were fully aware of the consequences of joining the Sumud Flotilla from the outset,’ he added. According to an Instagram post from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, from the Command Centre Istanbul, influencer Chiki Fawzi reported that five Indonesians had fallen victim to Israel’s interception. Then three people aboard the ship Ozgurluk were Thoudy Badai, Rahendro Herubowo, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho. Finally, journalist Bambang Noroyono, also known as Abeng, of Republika, who boarded the BoraLize. Spokesperson for the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Yvonne Mewengkang, in a statement revealed that at least ten Global Sumud Flotilla ships have been detained by Israeli forces. ‘The Indonesian Foreign Ministry urges the Government of Israel to immediately release all ships and crews of the international humanitarian mission currently detained,’ read the statement from Yvonne.