Foreign Minister Reports Israeli Violence Against GSF Volunteers to UN Security Council

JAKARTA — Foreign Minister Sugiono revealed that his ministry has lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding alleged Israeli violence against Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 volunteers on 21 May 2026. He stressed that the alleged violence against GSF volunteers during detention constitutes a breach of international law. ‘The Foreign Ministry also condemned this at the UNSC on 21 May. Such actions are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,’ Sugiono stated while welcoming nine Indonesian citizens (WNIs) detained by Israel at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday (24 May 2026). ‘Israel’s military actions against humanitarian volunteers constitute a serious breach of international law. Any inhumane treatment of GSF volunteers by the Israeli military violates international law and contradicts humanitarian principles,’ Sugiono said. He explained that the nine WNIs and other volunteers were civilians on a humanitarian mission to Gaza, Palestine. ‘Arbitrary actions that demean the dignity of civilians on a humanitarian mission are clear violations of international and humanitarian law,’ Sugiono stressed. He reiterated that Indonesia’s foreign policy includes support for Palestine and a two-state solution. ‘The Palestinian people’s struggle and the two-state solution we hope for are part of Indonesia’s foreign policy and struggle. I believe our fellow citizens have made tangible efforts to support this cause,’ Sugiono added. They were greeted by Sugiono, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Abdalfatah A.K. Alsattari, Directorate General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko, and families at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten. According to Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), the nine WNIs include Andi Angga Prasadewa from Rumah Zakat, who was aboard the Joseph ship and detained by Israel. Three others aboard the Ozgurluk ship — Thoudy Badai of Republika, Rahendro Herubowo of Inews, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of TV Tempo — were also detained. Sugiono said the government coordinated and negotiated continuously since the activists were intercepted on 18 May 2026 until their safe return home. ‘This afternoon, with gratitude to Allah Almighty, we welcome back our fellow citizens who were part of Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0,’ Sugiono said. He noted that the WNIs’ return was due to Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts. ‘We extend special thanks to the governments of Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt for their assistance, particularly Turkey for helping to retrieve our citizens from Ashdod,’ Sugiono said.