Indonesian Foreign Ministry Condemns Interception of Global Sumud Flotilla, Prepares Rescue Steps for Citizens
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli military’s actions in intercepting the international humanitarian fleet, Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0, in the international waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Indonesian government has also prepared anticipatory measures to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens participating in the mission.
The interception was carried out by the Israeli military on Monday (17/5) against the humanitarian fleet sailing towards the Gaza Strip via the Mediterranean Sea. Responding to the incident, the Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, stated in an official briefing on Tuesday (18/5) that the government maintains a firm stance.
Mewengkang stated that the Ministry condemns the interception of several ships part of the international humanitarian mission near the waters of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. To date, at least 10 ships are reported to have been detained, including the ships Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys.
According to information from the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, an Indonesian citizen named Andi Angga Prasadewa, a delegate from GPCI-Rumah Zakat, is aboard the ship Josef. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to establish contact with the ship carrying journalist Bambang Noroyono to ensure the safety of those on board.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the situation on the ground remains highly dynamic and is being closely monitored. The Indonesian government is urging Israel to immediately release all ships and crew members of the international humanitarian mission currently being detained. The Ministry also emphasised the importance of the continued distribution of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law.
“The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign and Foreign Affairs urges Israel to immediately release all detained international humanitarian mission ships and crews, and to guarantee the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the official statement read.
Since the onset of the incident, the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens within the Ministry has been coordinating with the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to prepare anticipatory steps. This coordination aims to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens and to accelerate the repatriation process if necessary. The Ministry continues to maintain communication with all relevant parties to obtain the latest information regarding the condition of the citizens involved. The government has prepared contingency plans, including the facilitation of protection and expedited repatriation if the situation becomes urgent.
“The protection of Indonesian citizens will remain the top priority of the Indonesian Government amidst this rapidly evolving situation,” concluded the Ministry.
Furthermore, the Indonesian government has called upon Iran and the United Arab Emirates to exercise restraint and prioritise peaceful resolutions in accordance with international law.