House of Representatives Member Urges UN to Release Journalists Detained by Israel
The Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), Sukamlar, has condemned Israel’s actions following reports that approximately 100 activists were arrested after the interception of a humanitarian aid fleet heading towards the Gaza Strip in international waters. Several journalists were part of this humanitarian mission.
Sukamta has urged the Indonesian government to pressure the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to secure their release. “The Indonesian government must be more assertive in urging the UNSC and the United States to lobby Israel to release these activists and journalists,” Sukamta stated in a written statement on Monday, 18 May 2026.
The politician from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) expressed regret over Israel’s actions amidst ongoing efforts to de-escalate conflicts between Israel and Palestine, as well as Israel-US and Iran. He emphasised that Israel should respect these processes by avoiding manoeuvres that contradict peace-building efforts in the Middle East.
“Israel has a poor track record regarding compliance with international agreements and law. However, with the existence of the Board of Peace (BoP) initiated by President Trump, Israel’s stance should at least align with the BoP’s efforts to achieve peace in Palestine,” he said.
On Monday, 18 May 2026, two journalists from Republika, along with several Indonesian volunteers, were reported to have been arrested and detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The arrest took place as the Israeli military intercepted the international humanitarian mission fleet, the Global Sumud Flotilla, in international waters near Gaza.
Sukamta explained that Israel should not kidnap journalists, whose safety is protected by the UN Charter, even in conditions of conflict and war. “Existing international legal instruments should be sufficient to urge Israel to release the activists and journalists and to lift the blockade on humanitarian aid,” said Sukmanta.
Meanwhile, the Editor-in-Chief of Republika, Andi Muhyiddin, strongly condemned the arrest of journalists Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, who were covering the humanitarian mission aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla. He noted that the two journalists were travelling with several other Indonesian volunteers, all of whom were engaged in humanitarian work and reporting.
“The volunteers did not arrive carrying weapons, but rather solidarity, medicines, logistical aid, and the voice of the world’s conscience for the Palestinian civilians,” Andi said in a written statement on Monday.
He stated that this humanitarian and reporting mission is vital in resisting the plight of Palestinians facing blockades, famine, and relentless aggression by Israel. “We stand with the world’s humanitarian volunteers. We reject all forms of criminalisation against humanitarian missions in international waters,” added Andi.