Last Communications of Two Republika Journalists Before Their Detention by Israeli Forces
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Republika Stevy Maradona said he was still able to communicate with Thoudy. The final communication with Thoudy occurred on Monday (18 May) afternoon via WhatsApp. ‘The last communication with Thoudy was at 13:50 WIB; he provided updates on the latest situation aboard his vessel as it was still underway, and he sent photos and videos as well. He even said that if they were to be intercepted by IDF troops, that would be Monday night local time,’ Stevy said when contacted on Monday (18 May 2026). After that, Thoudy stopped sending updates and could no longer be reached. ‘After this conversation, contact was lost. Thoudy could not be contacted at all. He did not contact the editorial desk again. It has been more than six hours,’ he added.
Stevy explained that the ships on which Thoudy and Bambang (Abeng) were travelling were different. Before sending a video SOS, Bambang had sent photographs and videos showing a warship moving towards their vessel. ‘Communication with Bambang Noroyono shows that they are on different ships. Thoudy’s vessel has three Indonesian nationals, including a Tempo journalist. From Abeng’s vessel, the last communication was when he sent the SOS video at 15:20 WIB,’ he said.
‘Only a few minutes before sending the SOS video did Abeng send photos and videos showing a warship approaching the boat. The protocol from the Global Sumud Flotilla central committee is that if an Israeli army officer boards the vessel, the SOS video should be sent immediately.’
By Monday night, there was no word from either journalist; communications were cut. ‘As of 22:00 WIB, both journalists could not be contacted and could not reach Republika’s editorial desk,’ he added.
Two Republika journalists detained; Republika condemns Israeli action. In the mission, there were nine Indonesian volunteers, including two Republika journalists Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai who carried out journalism and humanitarian duties. Republika condemned the Israeli army’s actions as a grave breach of international law. ‘In the group were nine Indonesian volunteers, including two Republika journalists Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai who were carrying out journalism and humanitarian duties. Their safety is a serious concern for us,’ said Republika’s Editor-in-Chief Andi Muhyiddin in a statement on Monday (18 May). Republika condemned these actions by Israel.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) also condemned Israel’s interception of ships and detention of activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0. Kemlu said it is monitoring the condition of Indonesian nationals taking part in the humanitarian mission and urged Israel to release the ships and all activists, and to ensure aid reaches the Palestinian people in line with international humanitarian law. ‘The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the actions of the Israeli Military which intercepted several ships in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 humanitarian mission near the Cypriot waters in the Eastern Mediterranean,’ said spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang in a statement on Monday (18 May). Kemlu is also continuing to contact the ships carrying Republika journalists and has urged Israel to release the ships and their crews and guarantee continued aid to Palestinians in accordance with international humanitarian law.