Indonesian Nationals Abducted by Israel; Indonesian Embassies Prepare Medical Aid and Anticipate Passport Seizure
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with several Indonesian Embassies (KBRIs) across countries to prepare anticipatory steps after five Indonesian nationals taking part in the Global Summit Flotilla 2.0 humanitarian mission were abducted by the Israeli military in the Eastern Mediterranean on 18 May 2026.
Spokesperson for the ministry, Yvonne Mewengkang, said the ministry has asked the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, Rome, Amman, and the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul to prepare anticipatory steps such as issuing a Surat Perjalanan Laksana Paspor (SPLP) if an Indonesian passport is seized, as well as medical support if needed.
‘Representatives of Indonesia are also engaging local authorities to ensure transit access and the repatriation process for Indonesians can proceed without immigration obstacles,’ Yvonne said in a video message to Tempo on Tuesday 19 May 2026.
Yvonne said the move was made after five of the nine Indonesians on the humanitarian mission were abducted. The four other Indonesians aboard two ships were still sailing in waters around Cyprus.
‘The situation on the ground remains highly dynamic. The four Indonesians still at sea are in a vulnerable position and could be intercepted or detained by the Israeli military at any time,’ she said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its related Indonesian representatives, will continue to monitor developments, verify the positions and conditions of the Indonesians, and prepare protective steps as needed on the ground.
‘The Ministry calls on the Israeli government to immediately release all vessels and crews detained from the international humanitarian mission, and to ensure the continuation of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law,’ she added.
The list of Indonesian nationals taking part includes Herman Budianto Sudarsono of GPCI-Dompet Dhuafa aboard the Zapyro; Ronggo Wirasanu (GPCI-Dompet Dhuafa) aboard the Zapyro; Andi Angga Prasadewa (GPCI-Rumah Zakat) aboard the Josef; Asad Aras Muhammad (GPCI-Spirit of Aqso) aboard Kasr-1; Hendro Prasetyo (GPCI - SMART 171) aboard Kasr-1.
Also aboard were Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono aboard the BoraLize; Republika photojournalist Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah aboard the Ozgurluk; Tempo journalist Andre Prasetyo Nugroho aboard the Ozgurluk; and a contributor to iNewsTV, Beritasatu, and CNN, Rahendro Herubowo, aboard the Ozgurluk.
Of the nine Indonesians on the mission, five have been abducted by Israeli forces. On the BoraLize, Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono and two Malaysian nationals were detained by the Israeli military. On the Ozgurluk, there were three Indonesian journalists abducted: Andre Prasetyo, Thoudy Badai, and Heru Rahendro. Another Indonesian, humanitarian activist Andi Angga, was abducted along with another group aboard the Josef.
The two ships still sailing as of Monday night were Kasri Sadabad (carrying Asad Aras and Hendro Prasetyo on Kasr-1) and Zapyro (carrying Herman Budianto and Ronggo Wirsanu).