Foreign Ministry: All diplomatic channels maximised to save nine Indonesian nationals from Israel

JAKARTA — The Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said the government is maximising the existing diplomatic channels to secure the release and full protection of nine Indonesian nationals detained in Israel. ‘All diplomatic channels and consular steps will continue to be maximised to ensure full protection for the Indonesian nationals and their safe return,’ Mewengkang said in a formal statement on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. ‘The Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with Indonesian representatives will maintain intensive engagement with local authorities and all relevant parties to safeguard the nine Indonesians,’ she added. According to information from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, on Wednesday 20 May 2026 the nine Indonesians sent a distress message (SOS) in the form of a video statement that they have been detained. The nine Indonesians are: 1. Andi Angga Prasadewa aboard the vessel Josef; 2. Rahendro Herubowo aboard the vessel Ozgurluk; 3. Andre Prasetyo Nugroho aboard Ozgurluk; 4. Thoudy Badai aboard Ozgurluk; 5. Bambang Noroyono (Abeng) aboard the BoraLize; 6. Herman Budianto Sudarsono aboard the vessel Zapyro; 7. Ronggo Wirasanu aboard the vessel Zapyro; 8. Asad Aras Muhammad aboard the vessel Kasr-1.