Indonesian Citizens Kidnapped by Israel, GP Ansor: Indonesian Government Must Act Without Delay

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) intercepted vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla and abducted the humanitarian activists aboard, drawing widespread condemnation. Dendy Zuhairil Finsa, Chairman of the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) of the GP Ansor Central Leadership, expressed deep concern, particularly because Indonesian citizens are among the abductees. He stressed that the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to reach the Gaza Strip, Palestine, is purely driven by humanitarian concerns — to deliver aid to those affected by genocidal violence there.

Dendy also urged the Government of Indonesia to act swiftly to secure the safety of all Indonesian nationals being held by the Zionist military. Two of the victims are Republika journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai.

“We hope the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will promptly take maximum, swift and measured diplomatic steps to ensure the safety of all Indonesian citizens captured,” Dendy told Republika in Jakarta on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

LBH GP Ansor also urged the Indonesian government to actively coordinate with international organisations and friendly countries. Such steps are important to ensure that the principles of international humanitarian law are respected by all parties to the conflict.

He argued that the detention of a journalist in a conflict zone should not obstruct journalism or humanitarian missions. Freedom of the press and protection of civilians are essential principles in international law that must be safeguarded.

“To the Indonesian public, we call for addressing this issue with humanitarian solidarity, prayers, and moral support, and not be provoked by narratives of hatred that could inflame the situation,” said Dendy.

He also reminded that support for the Palestinian humanitarian struggle must be conducted constitutionally, peacefully, and with dignity. In his view, the spirit of solidarity should not turn into actions that escalate tensions.

“We believe a country should not be late when its citizens face dangerous situations abroad. Protecting Indonesian citizens is a constitutional mandate that must be carried out seriously and to the maximum,” he said.

Earlier, two Republika journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai Rifan, were reported to have been abducted by the IDF after the ships they were aboard were intercepted by Zionist forces.