Foreign Minister Sugiono reveals nine Indonesian nationals detained by Israel have been released

JAKARTA — Foreign Minister Sugiono said that nine Indonesian nationals who were part of Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and were previously detained by Israeli forces have been released. “The volunteers taking part in Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 are currently travelling away from the territory of Israel towards Istanbul, Turkey, and will soon proceed to travel back to the homeland,” Sugiono said in a statement on Thursday, 21 May 2026. The Indonesian government expressed its utmost appreciation to the Government of Turkey for its active role and full support in facilitating the repatriation of the nine Indonesian nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), through the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens (Dit. Perlindungan WNI), according to Sugiono, has optimised all available diplomatic channels. “Including through the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, Rome, Amman, and Istanbul, as well as maintaining active communications with authorities and international partners concerned to ensure safety and accelerate the release of all Indonesian citizens,” Sugiono said. “Actions that demean the dignity of civilians in a humanitarian mission constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law that cannot be tolerated,” he asserted. Previously, the nine Indonesians, comprising four journalists and five activists, were detained by Israeli forces while conducting a humanitarian sailing mission with Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0. According to information from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, on Wednesday (20 May 2026) the nine Indonesians sent an emergency message (SOS) in the form of a video statement that they had been detained. The nine Indonesians are: