Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas Ensures State Will Protect Indonesian Citizens Abducted by Zionist Israel
JAKARTA — Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas of Indonesia assured that the government will guarantee the safety of Indonesian citizens abducted by Israel during their participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza, Palestine. He stressed that the state would not remain silent on the issue facing Indonesians abroad and would continue to coordinate with related ministries to take rescue actions. ‘Believe that the state will certainly be present and responsible for the safety of our citizens overseas,’ said Minister Supratman at the Parliament complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (20 May 2026).
According to him, the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights would also assist in handling the case, particularly regarding citizenship aspects, by coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
Supratman said protective efforts by the government are also extended to the Indonesian crew of MT Honour 25, which was hijacked in Somali waters.
‘The government under the President through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related ministries will certainly undertake the same coordinated efforts,’ he said.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that nine Indonesian citizens were detained by Zionist Israeli forces during the Global Sumud Flotilla mission. Among them are two Republika journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai.
Foreign Minister Sugiono said the government has coordinated with Indonesian representatives in the Middle East region and a number of friendly countries whose nationals were also taking part in the humanitarian mission.
‘We are seeking assistance from countries whose nationals are experiencing similar fates, including our colleagues in Jordan and Turkey,’ Sugiono said.
The government, he said, continues to maintain intensive communications to ensure the safety of all Indonesian citizens aboard the flotilla heading to the Gaza Strip.
In addition to the case of the detention of Indonesian citizens in Gaza, the government is also handling the hijacking of the MT Honour 25 in waters near Hafun, Somalia, on 22 April 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that all Indonesian crew members are in good health, their logistical needs are met, and their salaries continue to be paid.
In its official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that the government continues to coordinate with various parties domestically and internationally to follow up on the hijacking case.