Indonesian Citizen Intimidated During Israeli Detention, Yet Undeterred in Defending Humanity
Nine Indonesian citizens (WNI) who became victims of Israeli detention are returning to Indonesia following their release. The detainees have recounted the moment of their arrest by Israeli forces.
detikcom obtained a video interview conducted by Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) with one of the detainees, Andi Angga Prasadewa. Angga was among the Indonesian citizens involved in the humanitarian mission of Global Sumud Flotilla 2026.
In the interview, Andi stated that his vessel was the first ship to be intercepted by Israel. During the detention, his colleague was struck by rubber bullets, sustaining injuries. “So to speak, I was not hit, but my colleague was struck twice—once on the waist and once on the back. Rubber bullets, but it still left burn-like wounds, traces of burns, the shot marks immediately swelled,” said Andi in the video obtained by detikcom, quoted on Sunday (24 May 2026).
Nevertheless, Angga stressed that the incident did not deter him from defending humanity. He stated that the event was not a failure but rather a source of motivation. “What motivates us is that we must continue to speak out. With our interception, it does not mean we have failed; it shows that we are strong, we are civil society, particularly in the Global Sumud movement, which is a very powerful movement. And there is little they can actually do, frankly, Sir. When they see their army, they become frightened, and their fear manifests as aggression,” he explained.
He also appealed for greater public participation in future humanitarian missions. He expressed gratitude to all those who have supported and continued to advocate for the cause. “My message is that with our participation in the GSF where we truly sailed, in the next GSF movement, it could be much larger, serving as motivation and encouraging the Indonesian public in general to participate in this movement,” he said.
“Thank you very much. All of us Indonesian delegates, particularly myself, express gratitude to the people of Indonesia for the prayers offered on our behalf, so that, praise be, we have returned safely despite some minor traces of intimidation from the Zionists,” he added.
Andi stated that the Indonesian citizens previously detained by Israel have undergone medical checks at the Forensic Hospital in Istanbul. They are preparing to return to Indonesia by plane.
Nine WNI GSF Volunteers Arrested by Israel
The detention began when Israeli forces started intercepting several humanitarian aid ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla on Monday (18 May). Several GSF vessels were intercepted in stages, resulting in the arrest of numerous GSF volunteers, including nine Indonesians.
All GSF volunteers, including the nine Indonesians, have been released as of Thursday (21 May) local time. They arrived in Turkey aboard a plane chartered by local authorities.
Some of the Indonesian citizens detained by Israel have reported inhumane treatment. Several have even reported physical violence, including beatings and electric shocks.
The following is a list of the nine Indonesian citizens detained by Israeli forces based on GPCI reports:
Herman Budianto Sudarsono (GPCI - Dompet Dhuafa) Ship Zapyro
Ronggo Wirasanu (GPCI - Dompet Dhuafa) Ship Zapyro
Andi Angga Prasadewa (GPCI - Rumah Zakat) Ship Josef
Asad Aras Muhammad (GPCI - Spirit of Aqso) Ship Kasr-1
Hendro Prasetyo (GPCI - SMART 171) Ship Kasr-1
Bambang Noroyono (REPUBLIKA) Ship BoraLize
Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah (REPUBLIKA) Ship Ozgurluk
Andre Prasetyo Nugroho (Tempo) Ship Ozgurluk
Rahendro Herubowo (GPCI Media Team and iNews) Ship Ozgurluk