Five Indonesians seized by Israeli military in Gaza flotilla: MOFA
The ministry’s spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang, detailed that nine Indonesian citizens were members of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) coalition and took part in the GSF 2.0 humanitarian cruise mission to the Gaza Strip.
“Based on information as of this morning, five Indonesian citizens have reportedly been arrested by the Israeli military,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, four other Indonesian citizens on two different ships are continuing their voyage around Cypriot waters, she added.
Yvonne stated that the situation remains highly dynamic, and the other Indonesian citizens who evaded interception by Israeli forces yesterday are still at risk of being detained.
“The four Indonesian citizens still aboard remain vulnerable and could be intercepted by the Israeli military at any time,” she noted.
In light of these developments, the ministry has coordinated with Indonesian embassies in Cairo, Rome, Amman, and Istanbul to prepare measures for handling the citizens detained by Israeli forces.
The Indonesian diplomatic missions are ready to issue Emergency Passports (SPLP) as replacement travel documents if their passports are confiscated, and will provide medical support if necessary.
“Our representatives are also approaching local authorities to ensure transit access so that the repatriation process for Indonesian citizens can proceed without immigration obstacles,” Yvonne remarked.
Furthermore, Yvonne said that Indonesian diplomatic missions will continue to monitor the situation, confirm the location and condition of the citizens, prepare protective measures, and immediately respond to notifications from local authorities.
Indonesia strongly condemns the actions of the Israeli military in intercepting ships carrying humanitarian aid and arresting volunteers, including Indonesian citizens.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges the Israeli authorities to immediately release all detained ships and crew members of the international humanitarian mission,” she pointed out.
This situation also reaffirms the critical importance of ensuring the continued distribution of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law, Yvonne noted.
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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Resinta Sulistiyandari