Hundreds of Bandung Residents Demand Release of Nine Indonesian Citizens, Including Republika Journalists, Abducted by Israel

Bandung, May 19, 2026 - More than a hundred people held a peaceful demonstration on Jalan Asia Afrika in Bandung, demanding the release of nine Indonesian citizens, including two Republika journalists, who were reportedly abducted by Israeli soldiers during the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to Palestine. The demonstrators delivered speeches and walked from in front of the Savoy Homann Hotel to the Palestine Walk monument. Some participants carried Palestinian flags and waved them along the march. Women held posters bearing the faces of the nine Indonesians to be freed. The protesters wore Palestinian symbols and urged that the genocide against Palestinians by Israel be halted. Orators addressed the public and passing motorists on Jalan Asia Afrika. Ridwan, coordinator of the Palestine Solidarity Youth activists, said the crowd pressed the Indonesian government to safeguard activists and journalists taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission to Palestine. He said nine Indonesians, including journalists, were intercepted by Israeli soldiers. ‘We demand that the Indonesian government safeguard the Indonesian activists who are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla,’ he told reporters during the peaceful demonstration on Tuesday. He added that the government should also reassess joining the board of the Palestine peace organisation, noting one member country within the organisation had abducted Indonesian activists and journalists. ‘(The government) should impose strong sanctions on Israel,’ he said. The Jalan Asia Afrika venue was chosen for its history linked to the struggle against colonialism, dating to the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference. Ridwan said participants came from various backgrounds, including Bandung locals, students and Palestinian activists. He said the demonstrations would continue until the activists and journalists are released by Israel.