GPCI Thanks Government and Parliament for Assistance with the Repatriation of 9 Indonesian Nationals from Israel
Many parties have been involved in securing this release, including Global Sumud Flotilla, and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, specifically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; they provided extraordinary lobbying and communications assistance, particularly with Turkey, Harfin told reporters on Friday (22 May 2026).
Even the Indonesian Parliament, the DPR, helped as well, because recently the GPCI Steering Board visited the DPR and it was followed up by the DPR; the DPR Commission I indeed followed up, he continued.
Harfin said that thanks to the cooperation of the government, the DPR and all parties including Turkey, the release of the volunteers including Indonesian nationals could be realised. The Indonesian nationals have now left Israel and are heading to Turkey.
“The Government and the DPR truly worked together to think through and pursue the best way to utilise the networks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indonesian government networks in neighbouring countries to secure the rescue and repatriation of Indonesian citizens. They have now left Israel,” he said.
Foreign Minister Sugiono had previously expressed gratitude for the release of the nine Indonesian nationals detained by the Israeli army during the interception of the flotilla and the capture of volunteers involved in Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0. The Indonesian nationals are heading to Istanbul, Turkey, to be repatriated to Indonesia.
“The Government of Indonesia, with gratitude, informs that the nine Indonesian nationals detained by the Israeli military during the interception of the vessel and the detention of volunteers involved in Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 are currently on their way to leave Israeli territory for Istanbul, Turkey and will soon continue on to the homeland. The Government of Indonesia expresses its utmost appreciation to the Turkish Government for its active role and full support in facilitating this repatriation process,” Sugiono said in a statement, Thursday (21 May).
Sugiono noted that the release of the Indonesian nationals was the result of hard work and coordination between the government and the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara and other parties. He said Indonesia condemns Israel’s inhumane treatment of the volunteers during detention.
“This positive development is the fruit of hard work and close coordination by the Indonesian Government, conducted intensively since receiving reports of the interception of the GSF 2.0 flotilla. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens has maximised all diplomatic channels available, including through the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, Rome, Amman, and the Consulate General in Istanbul, and has maintained active communications with authorities and international partners to ensure the safety and expeditious release of all Indonesian citizens,” he said.
“The Government of Indonesia reiterates its condemnation of the inhumane treatment endured by the volunteers during detention. The actions that demean the dignity of civilians in a humanitarian mission are a serious violation of international humanitarian law that cannot be tolerated,” he added.
Earlier, the total number of Indonesian nationals held by the Israeli army was nine. The following is the list of the nine Indonesian nationals abducted by the Israeli army according to GPCI:
Herman Budianto Sudarsono. (GPCI - Dompet Dhuafa) Vessel Zapyro
Ronggo Wirasanu. (GPCI - Dompet Dhuafa) Vessel Zapyro
Andi Angga Prasadewa - (GPCI - Rumah Zakat) Vessel Josef
Asad Aras Muhammad - (GPCI - Spirit of Aqso) Vessel Kasr-1
Hendro Prasetyo. (GPCI - SMART 171) Vessel Kasr-1
Bambang Noroyono. (REPUBLIKA) Vessel BoraLize
Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah (REPUBLIKA) Vessel Ozgurluk
Andre Prasetyo Nugroho - (Tempo) Vessel Ozgurluk
Rahendro herubowo (Tim Media GPCI dan iNews) Vessel Ozgurluk