Foreign Minister Sugiono says nine Indonesian nationals aboard Gaza aid ship were not kidnapped.
Foreign Minister (Menlu) Sugiono has issued an official clarification regarding the status of nine Indonesian citizens detained by Israeli forces while carrying out a humanitarian mission. Sugiono emphasised that the incident was not a case of kidnapping or hostage-taking.
‘Set at present, this is not a case of kidnapping or hostage-taking,’ Sugiono said during a briefing at the DPR building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
Sugiono explained that the nine Indonesians were aboard a vessel delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, Palestine. En route, the ship was forcibly stopped or intercepted by the Israeli military.
‘This is a case of a humanitarian aid vessel being intercepted, because they forbid — Israel forbids any ship from entering the area for any purpose,’ the Foreign Minister said.
The nine Indonesians participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 mission include:
The government believes that journalists and activists who departed understood the high risks they would face when attempting to breach the Israeli blockade. Nevertheless, Foreign Minister Sugiono gave high appreciation for the bravery and noble intention of the Indonesians.
‘Sugiono continues to appreciate their intention to help alleviate the suffering in Gaza,’ the report states.
Currently, the Foreign Ministry continues to monitor developments concerning the nine Indonesians and takes the necessary diplomatic steps to ensure their safety and rights are fulfilled while under Israeli authority.
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