HNW Urges Indonesia to Take Israel to ICJ Over Flotilla Activists' Torture

MPR RI Vice Chairman Hidayat Nur Wahid has urged the Indonesian government to take Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the abduction and torture of hundreds of Global Shumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian activists, including nine Indonesians. ‘Israel’s brutal actions against the GSF humanitarian activists are inhumane and barbaric. It is only fitting that the Indonesian government takes this case to the International Court to impose severe sanctions on Israel and prevent similar crimes in the future,’ HNW, as he is commonly known, said in a written statement on Tuesday (26 May 2025). HNW noted that activists from various countries reported physical violence while detained by Israeli soldiers in the Mediterranean Sea. Among them was Indonesian volunteer Rahendro Herubowo, who claimed to have been beaten and electrocuted during detention. ‘Video evidence and activists’ testimonies must be followed up by taking this human rights violation case to the International Court,’ he said. HNW praised the government’s efforts to repatriate nine Indonesians, four of whom are journalists, from the GSF vessel. However, he deemed the action insufficient. ‘Victims’ right to justice for the degrading treatment by Israeli soldiers must be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators facing severe legal sanctions to prevent recurrence,’ he added. HNW stated that several international legal regulations could form the basis of the lawsuit, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Geneva Conventions, and the UN Convention Against Torture. ‘Israel’s actions have violated numerous UN conventions ratified by all member states,’ he said. HNW also urged Indonesia to coordinate with Malaysia, which is planning a similar lawsuit at the ICJ. ‘And if necessary, jointly file the lawsuit at the International Court,’ he added. He reminded that the ICJ is a forum between states, so activists cannot file lawsuits individually; it is up to the state to represent its citizens. HNW stressed that Indonesia should play a more active role, especially as it currently leads the UN Human Rights Council through senior diplomat Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro. ‘As chair of the UN Human Rights Council, Indonesia has a greater responsibility than other nations to uphold human rights, including against Israel’s arbitrary treatment of global GSF activists,’ he said. To uphold international law, Indonesia should take a more proactive role in coordinating with 44 countries whose citizens were abducted and tortured by Israel. This should involve bringing the matter to the ICJ to issue effective resolutions halting Israel’s barbaric actions,’ he added. ‘To save law and humanity, to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and to protect Gazans from Israel’s genocide,’ he concluded.