Latest Developments in the Abduction of Seven Indonesian Nationals by Israel
Seven of the nine Indonesian nationals who joined the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) on the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 to Gaza, Palestine, have been abducted by the Israeli military in international waters on Monday morning, 18 May. In that incident, the Israeli military detained hundreds of volunteers including five Indonesian nationals who had sailed to breach the blockade.
Initially, five Indonesians were confirmed detained by the IDF: Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai; Tempo TV journalist Andre Prasetyo Nugroho; iNews journalist Rahendro Herubowo; and Rumah Zakat activist Andi Angga Prasadewa.
On Tuesday, 19 May, it was confirmed that two more Indonesians had also been abducted by Zionist forces. This was confirmed by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang.
“Based on the latest information at 19:50 WIB, the number of Indonesians detained by Israel has increased,” Yvonne told CNN Indonesia. “From a total of nine Indonesian nationals who were part of Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) aboard the mission GSF 2.0, seven are now reported to have been captured,” she added.
The Indonesian government says it is having difficulty tracing the whereabouts of Indonesians abducted by the Israeli army. The hurdle arises because Indonesia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel.
Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigrations, and Public Security (Menko Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra revealed that the government remains unable to establish direct contact with the detained Indonesians. Nevertheless, the Foreign Ministry (Kemlu) continues to actively pursue steps to secure their release.
“As of today we understand that it is still difficult to contact the two [of nine] people, but the Foreign Ministry has also taken proactive steps to locate them and secure their release,” Yusril told reporters at Surabaya State University (Unesa) on Tuesday.
Yusril emphasised that the lack of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Israel makes direct negotiations impossible. This is the biggest challenge for the government to handle quickly.
“And this is certainly not easy because we do not have diplomatic relations with Israel; we cannot negotiate directly with Israel,” he said.
As a solution, he said the Indonesian government will maximise international diplomatic channels. He stated that they would involve third countries and international bodies to provide legal protection and to rescue the Indonesians abducted by the Israeli army.
“But we will certainly take diplomatic and legal steps through third countries and international bodies to protect our citizens abducted by the Israeli army,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP), General (ret) Dudung Abdurachman, said the Indonesian government has urged Israel to immediately release all ships and crew of the international humanitarian mission.
“The Indonesian government urges Israel to immediately release all ships and crew members of the international humanitarian mission who have been detained, and to ensure the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law,” Dudung told reporters at the KSP office in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Dudung said that the government, through the Foreign Ministry, has coordinated with several Indonesian embassies in the region from Ankara (Turkey), Cairo (Egypt), Rome (Italy), to Amman (Jordan).
He added that the government is also preparing precautionary steps, including issuing an SPLP (Surat Perjalanan Laksana Paspor) if the Indonesians’ passports are seized, and providing medical support if necessary.
Additionally, he said, Indonesian representatives continue to liaise with local authorities to ensure transit access and a smooth repatriation process for the Indonesians, without immigration obstacles.
The former Indonesian Army Chief of Staff noted that Indonesia has joined nine other countries — Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Spain — in condemning the attack by Israel.