Ministry of Law and Human Rights Monitors Developments in the Detention of Indonesian Citizens by Israel
Jakarta, Indonesia — The Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights (KemenHAM RI) has expressed concern over the abduction of Indonesian citizens participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 by the Israeli armed forces. KemenHAM continues to monitor updates on the fate of the Indonesian nationals involved.
From the nine Indonesian nationals in the group, two Republika journalists were abducted: Bambang Noroyono (Abeng) and Thoudy Badai (Ody). They were aboard the convoy of ships aimed at delivering logistical aid to Gaza’s refugees.
“The two journalists were onboard humanitarian vessels forming part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) on a mission to carry out humanitarian duties. And this is not their first time taking part in such missions; they have done so previously as well,” said Special Staff for Digital Transformation and Media Communications of the Minister of Law and Human Rights, Thomas Harming Suwarta, after meeting Republika Editor-in-Chief Andi Muhyiddin at the KemenHAM offices on Tuesday (19 May 2026).
Republika Editor-in-Chief Andi Muhyiddin strongly condemned the interception carried out by the Zionist Israeli military against the humanitarian mission ships of the GSF in international waters. He said the action constitutes a serious violation of international law, universal humanitarian principles, and the civil liberties of people worldwide who are delivering aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
Regarding handling of the kidnapping case, Thomas said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) is working hard to secure the release of the Indonesian nationals and the humanitarian mission crew who have been detained.
“We have been informed that Indonesian diplomatic authorities have coordinated with the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman. This anticipatory step has been taken to ensure safety and expedite the repatriation process of the Indonesian nationals involved in the mission,” Thomas said.
Thomas stated that the government will continue to monitor the incident through intensive communications with various stakeholders to obtain the latest information on the condition of the Indonesian nationals. Protection facilitation measures are being prepared to the maximum as the situation evolves.
The government is preparing contingency steps, including protective facilities and accelerated repatriation if needed.
“We will certainly continue to monitor from time to time to ensure our citizens are safe and can be released as soon as possible,” Thomas said.