Indonesian Foreign Ministry Condemns Israel's Interception of Global Sumud Flotilla, Monitors Condition of Indonesian Citizens
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has condemned Israel’s actions in intercepting ships and detaining activists involved in the international humanitarian mission, the Global Sumud Flotilla. The Ministry is maintaining continuous communication to monitor the condition of Indonesian citizens participating in the mission.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the actions of the Israeli military, which intercepted several ships belonging to the Global Sumud Flrolla (GSF) 2.0 international humanitarian mission near the waters of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean,” stated Yvonne Mewengkang, spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Monday (18/5/2026).
The Ministry reported that Israel has seized 10 ships to date, including the vessels Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys.
“Based on information from the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), it is reported that an Indonesian citizen, Andi Angga Prasadewa, a delegate from GPCI-Rumah Zakat, is aboard the ship Josef,” she added.
The Ministry is also attempting to contact the vessel carrying journalists from Republika. The Ministry noted that the situation on the ground remains highly dynamic.
“Efforts are being made to contact the ship carrying journalist Bambang Noroyono to ascertain the status of the vessel and Mr. Bambang Noroyono himself,” the Ministry stated. “The situation on the ground is very dynamic, and further developments must be anticipated.”
The Ministry has called on Israel to release the ships and all activists involved in the humanitarian mission, urging that aid reaches Palestine. “The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Israel to immediately release all ships and crew members of the international humanitarian mission being detained, and to ensure the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law,” she explained.
The Ministry stated that through the Directorate General for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens, it has been coordinating with the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to prepare anticipatory measures to ensure safety and expedite the repatriation process if necessary.
“The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to maintain communication with various relevant parties to obtain the latest information regarding the condition of Indonesian citizens, while preparing contingency measures, including facilitating protection and accelerating the repatriation process if required. The protection of Indonesian citizens remains the Indonesian government’s top priority amidst this rapidly evolving situation,” she concluded.
Two journalists from Republika, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, were detained by Israeli soldiers. Republika has strongly condemned the actions of the Israeli military. The news outlet confirmed that both journalists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to provide journalistic and humanitarian coverage. “There are nine Indonesian volunteers in the group, including two Republika journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, performing journalistic and humanitarian duties. Their safety is a serious concern for us,” said the Editor-in-Chief of Republika, Andi Muhyiddin, in a statement on Monday (18/5).