Foreign Minister Reports Israeli Detention of Indonesians to UN Security Council
Foreign Minister Sugiono condemned the treatment of nine Indonesian citizens detained by Israeli military while attempting to break the Gaza blockade as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla armada, stating the action violated international law. He said Indonesia’s stance was communicated to the UN Security Council on 21 May, adding, “This is an unacceptable action that must not be tolerated,” during the welcoming of the nine citizens at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
Sugiono praised Global Sumud Flotilla volunteers for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, describing their actions as a tangible effort to advocate for Palestinian independence. He thanked Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt for their assistance in securing the release of the detained citizens, and extended gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto for his guidance in the efforts. “I also thank members of House Commission I, Global Sumud Flotilla, and Global Peace Convoy Indonesia,” he added.
The nine citizens, part of the humanitarian mission, arrived in Indonesia on Sunday afternoon. They were greeted by family, relatives, and supporters waving banners reading “Welcome humanitarian fighters” and Palestinian flags, with “Free Palestine” chants echoing in the international arrivals lobby.
Prior to their flight to Indonesia, all citizens underwent health checks in Istanbul. Global Sumud Flotilla activists, including Indonesians, faced violent and inhumane treatment during their detention, including physical assaults, taser use, rubber bullets, insults, harassment, and forced painful body positions, which were reported to Global Peace Convoy Indonesia.
Hundreds of volunteers aboard the flotilla aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, but their fleet of dozens of ships was intercepted by Israeli military in Mediterranean waters in mid-May. Five Indonesian-carrying vessels were separately detained. The detained individuals comprised four media personnel—TV Tempo journalist Andre Nugroho, Republika journalists Thoudy Badai and Bambang Noroyono, and iNews journalist Heru Rahendro—and five humanitarian activists: Andi Angga, Hendro Prasetyo, Herman Budianto, Ronggo Wirsanu, and Asad Aras.