Indonesian Nationals Taken Hostage by Israel: How Can Indonesia Act Without Diplomatic Relations?

Nine Indonesian nationals were detained during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission, raising longstanding questions about how Indonesia can protect or free its citizens when it does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. The absence of a full diplomatic channel is often perceived as a major obstacle in handling cases involving Indonesians in conflict zones, given that Indonesia does not have an embassy in Tel Aviv or direct official communications with the Israeli government. However, this does not mean Indonesia lacks diplomatic mechanisms entirely. Dina says Indonesia has in essence established patterns and procedures to handle such situations. “There is usually a diplomatic SOP in place. For instance, because Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, channels typically run through a third country such as Egypt, Turkey, or Jordan, or through the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),” Dina told Kompas.com on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. “Our diplomat in Cairo, for example, is authorised to meet the detained Indonesian nationals, verify their condition, and push for their release,” Dina added. In addition, Indonesia can apply multilateral diplomatic pressure through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the UN, focusing on securing their release as soon as possible. Dina emphasised that it is time for Indonesia and the world to speak firmly to Israel. The detention also contravenes the Geneva Conventions, which guarantee protection for civilians, humanitarian workers, and journalists in armed conflict. “In other words, there is no point in being ‘friendly’ or ‘accommodating’ Israel. It would be better to return to Indonesia’s longstanding firm stance, vocally opposing Israel and condemning all forms of Israeli crimes,” Dina asserted. Moreover, whether or not there are diplomatic relations with Israel does not automatically guarantee the safety of citizens carrying out humanitarian missions in conflict areas. Also read: Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs: Nations Must Work Hard to Free Indonesian Nationals Detained by Israel