Maarif Institute Urges Government to Act Swiftly to Save 9 Indonesian Citizens Detained by Israel

JAKARTA, 21 May 2026 — Andar Nubowo, Director of the Maarif Institute, has urged the Indonesian government to act quickly to secure the release of nine Indonesian citizens who are volunteers with Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 and who were detained by the Israeli military.

The Indonesian government should act swiftly, firmly, and in a coordinated manner to ensure the safety and rights of its citizens, Andar said in a statement on Thursday, 21 May 2026. The Maarif Institute supports and urges the government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to pursue all available diplomatic channels to free the detainees.

“Urge the Israeli government to immediately halt the detention of participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla and to unconditionally release all ships, Indonesian citizens and volunteers detained, and to ensure their safety and welfare while in detention,” he said.

Andar added that Israel must open humanitarian access for Palestinians in Gaza facing a humanitarian crisis. “Especially in the context of armed conflict. The humanitarian mission undertaken by civilian volunteers is a manifestation of universal morality that must be respected and protected by all parties without exception.”

According to information from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, on Wednesday 20 May 2026 the nine Indonesians sent an SOS video stating that they had been detained. They were captured on different dates: Andi, Rahendro, Andre, Thoudy, and Abeng were captured on Monday 18 May 2026. He said the manoeuvre of the ship’s captain prevented Israeli forces from pursuing them, but a few hours later he was captured on Tuesday 19 May 2026. Four hours later, Asad and Hendro posted emergency messages asserting they too had been captured by Israeli troops.