GPCI Visits MPR to Report Arrest of Nine Indonesians by Israel During Gaza Humanitarian Mission

Representatives of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) visited the leadership of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) to report the arrest of nine Indonesian citizens by Israel during their participation in the Global Freedom Florestation mission. The meeting took place at the Nusantara III building in the parliamentary complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (19/5/2026). The session was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the MPR, Hidayat Nur Wahid (HNW), alongside GPCI directors Ahmad Juwaini, Irvan Nugraha, and Maryam Rachmayani Yusuf.

“We came to the MPR, specifically to Mr Hidayat Nur Wahid, first to provide a brief update on the progress of the Global Freedom Flotilla mission involving Indonesian citizens,” said Juwaini. He explained that the nine Indonesians involved in the mission comprised five humanitarian activists and four journalists. The sailing mission to Gaza originally departed from Barcelona, Spain, on 12 April 2026.

However, upon entering Greek waters, the first group of ships was intercepted by Israeli forces. “The first wave was intercepted by Israel, and more than 170 people were detained at that time,” Juwaini stated. He noted that while some detainees were released a few days later, two participants, Thiago and Syekh Abul Khasik, were only released after being held for nearly 12 days.

The mission subsequently continued from Marmaris, Turkey, with nine Indonesians participating in the voyage to Gaza. The vessel carrying this delegation was intercepted by Israeli forces again on Monday (18/5) at approximately 15:00 WIB. Juwaini explained that of the 57 ships participating in the Global Freedom Flotilla mission, most have been intercepted by Israel. According to GPCI records, approximately 40 ships have been detained, and 332 humanitarian activists and journalists from various countries are currently being held.

Due to these developments, the GPCI is requesting the MPR leadership to convey a message to the Indonesian government to take immediate diplomatic steps to assist in the release of the Indonesian citizens. “Regarding the abduction of our delegation, we certainly hope that through Mr Hidayat Nur Wahid as the leader of the MPR, a message can be delivered to the Indonesian government, ministries, and relevant agencies for the rescue of our citizens,” Juwaini added.

During the meeting, Hidayat Nur Wahid expressed deep concern over the arrest of the humanitarian activists and journalists, stating that Israel is committing violations of international law. “I am very concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crimes by Israel and its Zionist forces in arresting humanitarian activists,” he said. He further emphasised that these actions constitute an open violation of international law, particularly as the interceptions occurred in international waters. Strongly condemning Israel’s actions, Hidayat Nur Wahid urged the government to act swiftly to uphold Indonesian sovereignty in accordance with the constitution.