Four Indonesian Journalists on Humanitarian Mission to Gaza Intercepted by Israel
At least four journalists from Indonesia were part of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) vessel during the 2026 Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza, Palestine, which was intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The journalists include Bambang Noroyono (also known as Abeng) and Thoudy Badai from Republika, Andre Prasetyo Nugroho from Tempo, and Rahendro Herubowo from GPCI.
According to GPCI’s social media, a total of nine Indonesian citizens were involved in the humanitarian mission. The group included humanitarian activists Herman Budianto Sudarsono, Ronggo Wirasanu, Andi Angga Prasadewa, Aras Asad Muhammad, and Hendro Prasetyo, alongside the aforementioned journalists.
Andi Muhyiddin, Editor-in-Chief of Republika, confirmed that his two journalists were on the mission to perform journalistic duties by covering the humanitarian voyage. ‘The volunteers are not arriving with weapons, but with solidarity, medicines, logistical aid, and the voice of the world’s conscience for the Palestinian civilians who have faced blockade, famine, and relentless aggression for months,’ Muhyiddin stated in an official statement released on Monday evening. He added that the safety of the Indonesian volunteers is a serious concern for the publication.
Muhyiddin also strongly condemned the interception by the Israeli military in international waters, describing it as a serious violation of international law, universal humanitarian principles, and the civil liberties of global citizens delivering aid to Gaza.
Republika released a video from Abeng following the interception. In the video, Abeng issued an SOS message, stating, ‘If you find this video, please convey to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia that I am currently being abducted by Israeli soldiers. I request that the Indonesian government free me from this abduction by the Zionist Israeli occupation forces.’
The Global Sumud Flotilla Coalition reported that Israeli military vessels began intercepting the fleet, with Israeli forces boarding the first ship during the day. Alongside the nine Indonesians, at least 100 humanitarian activists from around the world were reportedly detained by Israel. Israeli media reported that the detained activists would be taken to the Port of Ashdod following the operation. The interception reportedly involved four Israeli warships, which ordered the fleet’s vessels to shut down their engines.
The fleet was intercepted off the coast of Cyprus. The Global Sumud fleet, consisting of 54 ships, departed from the Marmaris district on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye last Thursday in the latest attempt to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since the summer of 2007.