Foreign Ministry responds to video of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ridiculing GSF activists forced to kneel

JAKARTA – The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kementerian Luar Negeri, Kemlu) has responded to the circulating footage showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ridiculing activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) at Kemlu, said the ministry is examining the authenticity of the video circulating. ‘Regarding these videos, we have not yet confirmed whether they are real. However, we will continue to ascertain the truth of these videos,’ Hamid said at the Kemlu office in Jakarta on Thursday (21 May 2026).

“Based on the latest contact with the secretariat of the group involved, the Indonesian nationals are reportedly in good condition. ‘This morning we met again with the secretariat of our GPCI, and their last communication was on 19 May, and all are in good condition,’ she explained.

“She noted that the nine Indonesians who joined the humanitarian mission were taken by the Israeli military to Ashdod Port after their vessel was intercepted in international waters. ‘If this is resolved, they may be brought to immigration detention,’ she added.

“Kemlu continues to verify the positions, conditions, and access to communication for the Indonesian nationals. And as of now, as previously conveyed by the spokesperson, all of our communication channels are being maximised to better confirm the status of our nationals,” she asserted.

“Earlier, a video circulated on social media showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ridiculing Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) activists. ‘Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords,’ Ben-Gvir says while waving a large Israeli flag, according to CBS News on Wednesday. The video also shows the activists crouched with their hands tied behind their backs, and their heads bowed to touch the floor.