Indonesia's Foreign Ministry Has Confirmed Nine Indonesians Detained by Israel, Intensifying Efforts to Secure Their Release

Jakarta: The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kementerian Luar Negeri, Kemlu) said it had received reports that nine Indonesian citizens taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission have been abducted by Israeli forces. The Government of Indonesia is currently intensifying efforts to ensure their protection.

‘According to the latest information (07:13 WIB), the nine Indonesians who are members of Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) and part of the GSF 2.0 mission are all reported to have been captured by Israel,’ said Yvonne Mewengkang, spokesperson for the Ministry, in a statement on Wednesday morning (20 May 2026).

She said the Ministry, together with Indonesian representatives, continues to engage intensively with local authorities and all relevant parties to ensure protection of the nine Indonesians. ‘All diplomatic channels and consular steps will be maximised to ensure full protection for the Indonesians and that they can return safely,’ Yvonne said.

‘Indonesia calls on the Government of Israel to immediately release all ships and crews of the international humanitarian mission being held,’ added Yvonne.

Of the nine Indonesians currently detained by Israel, two are journalists from Republika, namely Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai. When Israeli forces intercepted them in the Eastern Mediterranean, Bambang was aboard the Bora Alize. Meanwhile Thoudy was on the Kasr-1.

In addition to them, two other journalists were abducted by Israel: Andre Prasetyo Nugroho and Rahendro Herubowo. Andre is a journalist for Tempo.

Meanwhile, the remaining five Indonesians are humanitarian activists. They are Hendro Prasetyo, Andi Angga, Ronggo Wirasanu, Herman Budianto, and As’ad Aras.