Foreign Minister says nine Indonesian nationals arrested by Israel are not a kidnapping or hostage-taking case

JAKARTA — Foreign Minister Sugiono said the detention of nine Indonesian nationals by Israel is not a case of kidnapping or hostage-taking. “At present this is not a kidnapping or hostage-taking case,” Sugiono told reporters at the DPR building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. During the voyage, the vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces. “This is a case of the humanitarian aid ship being intercepted, because they ban any ships from entering the area for any purpose,” he added. Nevertheless, Sugiono praised the volunteers’ intention to help relieve the suffering in Gaza.

Earlier, the nine Indonesian nationals — four journalists and five activists — were detained by Israeli forces while undertaking a humanitarian sailing mission with the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0. According to Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, on Wednesday 20 May 2026 the nine Indonesians sent emergency messages (SOS) via video indicating they had been captured. They were arrested at different times: Andi, Rahendro, Andre, Thoudy and Abeng were captured on Monday 18 May 2026. A few hours later, they were joined by others onboard on Tuesday 19 May 2026 local time. Four hours later, Asad and Hendro also posted emergency messages stating they had been detained by Israeli troops.