Indonesian Foreign Minister welcomes return of citizens, condemns Israel's interception of GSF 2.0 humanitarian vessel
Tangerang – Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission vessel in international waters and the treatment of volunteers, including nine Indonesian citizens who have been repatriated.
He stated that the interception of a humanitarian vessel and mistreatment of civilian volunteers is unjustifiable.
‘These arbitrary actions demeaning the dignity of civilians in a humanitarian mission are clear violations of international and humanitarian law,’ Sugiono said at a press conference at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday (25/5).
He added that the Indonesian government also condemns the inhumane treatment endured by the volunteers during their detention by Israeli military.
At the same event, Sugiono confirmed that the nine Indonesian participants of GSF 2.0 have safely returned to Indonesia on Sunday.
‘These nine compatriots have safely returned home. We at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thank all parties for their cooperation and coordination,’ he said.
‘This successful evacuation and release is the result of intense and multi-layered efforts by the Indonesian government,’ he added.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), through its Directorate for Indonesian Citizens Protection, optimised diplomatic channels by involving five Indonesian missions in strategic regions.
These include the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, Consulate General in Istanbul, Embassies in Amman and Cairo, and the Embassy in Rome.
Sugiono also thanked the governments of Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt for assisting in the repatriation of the nine Indonesians from Ashdod, Israel.
At the same event, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Abdalfattah A.K. Al-Sattari described the nine Indonesians as heroes.
He also thanked the Indonesian government and people for their support for Palestine, adding his belief that Palestine would soon achieve independence.
Previously, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry reported that the GSF 2.0 humanitarian vessel carrying nine Indonesians was intercepted by Israeli military in the eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus on 18 May 2026.
The Indonesians were subsequently detained in Ashdod, Israel.
Following a series of diplomatic and consular steps by the Indonesian government alongside GSF and Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), the nine citizens were released on 21 May 2026.
They underwent health checks in Istanbul, Turkey, before returning to Indonesia.