Foreign Minister Sugiono Speaks on Indonesians Detained by Israel, Emphasises This
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Foreign Minister Sugiono has provided an update on the detention of Indonesian citizens by Israel. Nine Indonesian citizens were among participants in a humanitarian ship convoy delivering aid to Gaza, the Palestinians’ Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF 2.0).
‘We are communicating with overseas colleagues in Jordan and Turkey to ascertain the condition of our compatriots who were intercepted and detained by Israel,’ he told reporters on Wednesday (20 May 2026). ‘So far the information we have received is difficult because communications are limited,’ he added.
He stressed that the government appreciates the spirit of Indonesians who joined Global Sumud Flotilla. He said this reflects a desire to create a better situation for ‘our brothers and sisters in Palestine, particularly in Gaza’. ‘And this is a spirit that I think deserves appreciation,’ he added.
‘We hope they are all in good condition. We will also continue to coordinate because we do not have direct contact,’ he explained.
‘Thus we ask our friends who are the first to experience similar fate from their own citizens, and from our friends in Jordan and Turkey. We pray that they are in good condition, and can return home safely and in good health.’
Earlier, according to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday at around 19:50 WIB, the number of Indonesians detained by Israel had risen. Of the nine Indonesian citizens who are members of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) taking part in the GSF 2.0 mission, seven have now been detained while the other two are still aboard the Kasr 1 Sadabat vessel.
‘The situation on the ground remains highly dynamic. The two Indonesians still on board remain in a vulnerable state and could be intercepted or detained by the Israeli military at any moment,’ said the Indonesian MFA spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela.
‘Representatives of Indonesia are on full alert to promptly follow up on any developments on the ground. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Indonesian Mission, will continue to monitor the situation, verify the positions and conditions of the Indonesians, and prepare protective measures as needed,’ he added.
Earlier, on Instagram accounts of celebrity Chiki Fauzi, which were also posted by the GPCI IG, the Israeli interception operation occurred in broad daylight. Activists aboard the ship reportedly identified themselves as ‘a civilian convoy that is not dangerous’ in a ‘humanitarian mission’ to Gaza. ‘We are carrying humanitarian supplies,’ said in the IG video. ‘Health professionals, health assistance, and public participation from 41 countries,’ he added.
The nine Indonesians aboard were Thoudy Badai (journalist), Hendro Prasetyo (humanitarian activist), Andre Prasetyo (journalist), Andi Angga (humanitarian activist), Ronggo Wirasanu (humanitarian activist), Herman Budianto (humanitarian activist), As’ad Aras (humanitarian activist), Rahendro Herubowo (journalist), and Bambang Nuryono (journalist).