Foreign Minister Sugiono: Nine Indonesian Activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla Detained by Israel Arrive in Istanbul
Foreign Minister Sugiono confirms that nine Indonesian citizens who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 humanitarian mission have arrived safely in Istanbul, Turkey, after previously being held by the Israeli military. The government says it continues to monitor and assist the repatriation of all Indonesian citizens back to Indonesia. ‘The Indonesian government is currently coordinating with relevant parties to ensure the repatriation of all Indonesian citizens to the homeland proceeds smoothly so that all Indonesian citizens can return safely and as soon as possible,’ Sugiono said in an official statement released on Friday (22 May).
In addition to ensuring the volunteers’ safety, Indonesia also strongly condemns the actions of the Israeli military during the detention. ‘Indonesia strongly condemns the torture alleged to have been inflicted on Indonesian nationals during detention,’ he said. The government regards the treatment of the humanitarian volunteers as contrary to international law and universal humanitarian values. ‘Indonesia reiterates that any inhumane acts against Global Sumud Flotilla volunteers by the Israeli military constitute violations of international law and conflict with humanitarian principles.’
Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 is an international humanitarian mission delivering aid to Palestinians. The detention of the volunteers by the Israeli military previously drew international attention and criticism. The Indonesian government also expressed appreciation to the Turkish government for actively helping the repatriation of Indonesian volunteers. Minister Sugiono clarified that the status of the nine Indonesians detained on the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 is not kidnapping, but rather interception of Gaza aid. He disclosed that the government has conducted direct negotiations with the hijackers of the vessel MT Honour 25 off Somalia to secure the safe return of four Indonesian seafarers. He assured the safety of several Indonesians aboard the flotilla who were reported to have been intercepted and detained by Israel. Indonesia has been engaging with Jordan and Turkey. Sugiono emphasised the BRICS’ strategic role for developing countries during a meeting in New Delhi. Indonesia highlights Palestine and UNIFIL security.
Nine Indonesian volunteers on Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 arrived in Istanbul and underwent health checks, visas, and testimony collection before being repatriated. The Indonesian government also expressed appreciation to Turkey for actively assisting the repatriation. Furthermore, Yvonne noted that Foreign Minister Sugiono has also communicated with counterparts in several countries including Turkey and Jordan. The government through the MFA condemns Israel’s actions against Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 volunteers and focuses on freeing the detained Indonesians. Israel’s Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing how Israel treats Global Sumud Flotilla activists detained en route to Gaza.