KSP Reveals Steps Taken Regarding Indonesian Citizens Abducted by Israeli Soldiers

Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman outlined the steps taken by the Indonesian government regarding the Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were detained by Israeli forces during the humanitarian voyage to Gaza, Palestine. Nine Indonesian citizens—including at least four Indonesian journalists—took part in the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) humanitarian voyage on the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 to Gaza. ‘The Indonesian government urges Israel to immediately release all vessels and crew of the international humanitarian mission that are held, and to guarantee the continuation of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law,’ Dudung said at the KSP office in Jakarta, on Tuesday 19 May. Dudung said the government, through the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), has coordinated with a number of Indonesian embassies around the region from Ankara (Turkey) and Cairo (Egypt) to Rome (Italy) and Amman (Jordan). He added that the government is also preparing anticipatory steps such as issuing SPLP (Surat Perjalanan Laksana Paspor) if the passports of the Indonesian nationals are seized, as well as medical support where required. In addition, the Indonesian representatives are continuing to engage with local authorities to ensure transit access and a smooth repatriation process for the Indonesian citizens without immigration impediments. The former Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) said Indonesia has joined with nine other countries—Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, the Maldives, Pakistan and Spain—that strongly condemn the Israeli attack. Earlier, nine Indonesian nationals participated in the GPCI on the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 to Gaza. Earlier this week, it was initially reported that five of the nine Indonesian nationals were intercepted by the Israeli military during their journey. These five were journalists Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai of Republika; journalist Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of Tempo TV; journalist Rahendro Herubowo from GPCI; and activist Andi Angga Prasadewa from Rumah Zakat. They were spread across several ships that had been intercepted by the Israeli military. Rahendro, Thoudy, and Andre boarded the Ozgurluk; Abeng aboard the BoraLize, while Andi Angga was aboard the Josef. The three ships were reportedly intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters as they sought to join the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 to Gaza. Most recently, on Tuesday (19 May), Israeli forces were reported to have abducted two more Indonesian nationals participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026. Thus, seven Indonesian nationals in the humanitarian voyage to Gaza have now been abducted by Zionist forces. Total seven Indonesians abducted. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang confirmed the latest abductions by Israeli soldiers. ‘According to the latest information at 19:50 WIB, the number of Indonesians detained by Israel has increased,’ she said in a formal statement, Tuesday (19 May). ‘Of the total nine Indonesian nationals belonging to Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) taking part in the GSF 2.0 mission, seven have now been reported detained,’ she added. The two Indonesians are Ronggo Wirasanu and Herman Budianto of Dompet Dhuafa. Both were on board the Zapyro vessel. Meanwhile, the other two Indonesians, Asad Aras Muhammad and Hendro Prasetyo, are known to remain aboard the Kasr 1 Sadabat, which is still attempting to sail to Gaza. Yvonne said the situation on the ground remains highly dynamic. The two Indonesians still at sea remain in a fragile state and could be intercepted or captured by Israeli forces at any time. ‘Indonesian representatives are on full standby to immediately respond to any developments on the ground,’ she said. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry, through its representatives, will continue to monitor the situation, verify the positions and conditions of the Indonesians, and prepare protective measures as required.