Israel Intercepts GSF Mission, Commission I Chair Reminds Journalists are Protected by UN Charter
The Deputy Chair of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Sukamta, has reminded that humanitarian and journalistic missions are protected under the United Nations (UN) Charter. This statement was made in response to Israel’s detention of two journalists from Republika who were participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission.
“The existing international legal instruments should be sufficient to urge Israel to release the activists and journalists and to lift the blockade on humanitarian aid,” Sukamta stated on Monday (18/5/2026).
He noted that Israel is a member of the Board of Peace (BoP), which promotes Palestinian independence. “With the existence of the Board of Peace (BoP) initiated by President Trump, Israel’s stance should, at the very least, align with the BoP’s efforts to achieve peace in Palestine,” Sukamta added.
“I condemn Israel’s actions. I support the Indonesian government in being more assertive in urging the UN Security Council and the US to lobby Israel to release these Republika activists and journalists,” said the politician from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).
It is reported that two Republika journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission, were captured by Israeli soldiers. The interception occurred in international waters, approximately 250 miles from Gaza, Palestine.
“The group includes nine volunteers from Indonesia, including two Republika journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudly Badai, who were 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 (18/5/2026).
“We strongly condemn the interception carried out by the Zionist Israeli military against the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission in international waters. This action is a serious violation of international law, universal humanitarian principles, and the civil liberties of global citizens bringing aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza,” Andi asserted.