Foreign Minister Sugiono: Nine Indonesian Citizens Detained by Israel Are Not a Kidnapping Case
Jakarta – Indonesian Foreign Minister (Menteri Luar Negeri) Sugiono has stressed that the incident in which nine Indonesian nationals were detained by the Israeli military is not a case of kidnapping or hostage-taking. ‘As of now, this is not a kidnapping or hostage-taking case,’ Sugiono told reporters at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
He said what happened was that the Indonesians were aboard a vessel to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, Palestine. Then, en route, the ship carrying them was intercepted by the Israeli military. ‘This is a case of the humanitarian aid ship being intercepted because Israel prohibits ships from entering the area for any reason,’ he said.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI) confirmed that all Indonesian citizens taking part in the humanitarian flotilla to Gaza had become victims of kidnapping by Zionist Israeli forces who intercepted their ships. ‘Based on the latest information, nine Indonesian citizens who are members of Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) and participating in the GSF 2.0 mission have all reportedly been detained by Israel,’ said Deputy Spokesperson II of Kemlu RI, Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, in a written response to ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The ministry, together with Indonesian representatives in the region, continues intensive outreach with local authorities and all relevant parties to ensure all nine Indonesians are safe and protected.
Among the nine Indonesians abducted by Israel were three national journalists on assignment: Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai of Republika, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of Tempo.
Nabyl said that all diplomatic channels and consular steps are being maximised to ensure full protection for the Indonesians abducted by Israel.
These steps will continue until all flotilla participants to Gaza can return home safely, he added. ‘Indonesia urges the Israeli government to immediately release all ships and crews of the international humanitarian mission that are being held,’ Nabyl said.