GELORA Party Demands Immediate Release of Five Indonesian Nationals Kidnapped by Israeli Forces

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — The Gelora Party condemned the kidnapping of five Indonesian nationals by the Israeli navy in international waters and called for their immediate release. ‘The Gelora Party of Indonesia strongly condemns Israel’s kidnapping of at least five Indonesian nationals and calls for their immediate release,’ said Gelora Party Secretary-General Mahfudz Siddiq in a statement on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. He said the abduction in international waters breaches all international law and norms. ‘We also urge Israel not to obstruct humanitarian missions to Gaza,’ he added. The kidnapping by the Israeli Navy (IOF) occurred in Siprul waters on Monday, 18 May 2026. The five Indonesian nationals abducted include four journalists and one humanitarian activist. According to sources from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), one activist arrested is Andi Angga Prasadewa from Rumah Zakat who was aboard the Josef vessel. Then three people using the Ozgurluk vessel: Thoudy Badai, a journalist for Republika; Rahendro Herubowo, a journalist from Inews; and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho, a journalist from TV Tempo. Then there is Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono or Abeng who was aboard a different vessel, BoraLize. The other four Indonesians are reported to have been safe and continued their journey aboard the Karsi, Sadabat, and Zefiro. ‘The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges the Government of Israel to immediately release all vessels and crew of the international humanitarian mission detained,’ said Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang.