Indonesia Urges Israel to Release All Crew Members of the Global Sumud Flotilla

Jakarta — Chief of Staff to the President (KSP) Dudung Abdurachman has urged Israel to release all ships and crew taking part in the international humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla. Moreover, Israel has detained several crew members, including five Indonesian nationals (WNI).

“The Indonesian government urges Israel to immediately release all ships and crew of the international humanitarian mission that are being held,” Dudung said from his office in Jakarta on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. Dudung also called on Israel to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.

Regarding the five Indonesian nationals detained, the KSP said it has coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) on the matter. He said the Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned Israel’s military actions intercepting several ships and detaining Indonesian volunteers who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla in waters around Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. He added that the Foreign Ministry had begun initial coordination with the Indonesian embassies in Ankara, Cairo, Rome, Amman, and the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul. “Including preparing anticipatory steps such as the issuance of SPLP (Surat Perjalanan Laksana Paspor) if Indonesian passports are seized and medical support if required,” he added.

Dudung said Indonesia is also engaging with local authorities to ensure transit access and the repatriation process for Indonesian nationals proceeds without obstruction. “And Indonesian representatives remain on standby to promptly act on notifications from local authorities,” Dudung said. In addition, he said, Indonesian representatives in the host country will continue to monitor the situation. “Verifying the position and condition of Indonesian nationals and preparing protective measures as needed on the ground,” he added.

At least nine Indonesian nationals are reported to be among the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 vessels affected by Israel’s military interception in international waters near Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean. Some of these Indonesian nationals are journalists.