Indonesian Citizens' Testimonies After Israeli Detention: Beaten, Electrocuted and Trampled
Herman Budianto Sudarson broke down in tears while recounting allegations of torture endured by Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 volunteers during their detention in Israel. The Indonesian nationals who recently returned home reported volunteers suffering broken bones, gunshot wounds, and alleged sexual harassment while in custody.
The incident occurred during a press conference at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang on Sunday, 24 May 2026, where Herman confirmed the alleged violence faced by the volunteers. “Many sustained severe injuries—around 40 people with broken ribs, arms, legs, and noses, and some were shot,” he said.
Herman also alleged sexual harassment against both men and women by Israeli soldiers, stating detainees were treated “like animals.” “There were numerous cases of sexual abuse endured by both genders during the prolonged detention process. Add to that the inhumane conditions in prison,” he added, struggling to hold back tears.
He emphasised that their experience did not make them feel superior for their small contribution to Palestine. “This experience, God willing, does not make us think we are the most deserving. What we did for Palestine is minimal compared to the suffering of our brothers and sisters there,” he said while crying.
Another volunteer, Rahendro Heruwibowo, described being beaten, trampled, and electrocuted. He said the torture ceased only after he shouted loudly. “I was punched multiple times on the head, then the front and back of my body. I fell and was stepped on. Finally, I was electrocuted, so I shouted loudly, and they stopped,” he explained.
Rahendro claimed he was taken to land by Israeli forces where facilities suspected of being torture chambers were prepared. “During the transfer between locations, there was constant mistreatment—tight shackling, being pushed around, walking, bending, falling, and kicked. That’s roughly what happened,” he said.
The nine Indonesian volunteers exited Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta Airport around 16:25 WIB, wearing Palestinian keffiyehs. Relatives greeted them with banners and Palestinian flags, with cheers echoing as they left the terminal.
The arrests began when Israeli forces intercepted humanitarian aid ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) on Monday, 18 May. The ships were intercepted sequentially, leading to the detention of several volunteers. All GSF volunteers, including the nine Indonesians, were released on Thursday, 21 May local time and flown to Turkey via chartered aircraft before returning home.
Indonesian detainees reported inhumane treatment, including physical violence such as beatings and electrocution. The following is a list of the nine Indonesians detained by Israeli forces, according to GPCI reports:
Herman Budianto Sudarson (GPCI-Dompet Dhuafa), Zapyro ship
Ronggo Wirasanu (GPCI-Dompet Dhuafa), Zapyro ship
Andi Angga Prasadewa (GPCI-Rumah Zakat), Josef ship
Asad Aras Muhammad (GPCI-Spirit of Aqso), Kasr-1 ship
Hendro Prasetyo (GPCI-SMART 171), Kasr-1 ship
Bambang Noroyono (Republika), BoraLize ship
Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah (Republika), Ozgurluk ship
Andre Prasetyo Nugroho (Tempo), Ozgurluk ship
Rahendro Herubowo (GPCI Media Team and iNews), Ozgurluk ship