Ministry of Law and Human Rights urges protection of Indonesian nationals in Gaza humanitarian mission

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights has urged stronger protection for Indonesian nationals taking part in an international humanitarian mission to Gaza, following the detention of nine Indonesian nationals by the Israeli military during the Global Sumud Flotilla voyage.

Special Staff to the Minister of HAM for Digital Transformation and Media Communications Thomas Harming Suwarta said the government continues to monitor the condition of the Indonesians and prepare protective measures through cross-ministerial coordination and Indonesia’s overseas missions.

“We have information that Indonesian diplomatic authorities have coordinated with the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman. This proactive step is being taken to ensure safety and to expedite the repatriation of Indonesians involved in the mission,” Thomas said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to him, the government is also preparing contingency measures, including facilitation of protection and speedier repatriation if required.

Thomas noted that two of the nine Indonesians detained are Republika journalists, namely Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, who were covering the humanitarian mission.

“Both journalists were on board humanitarian ships belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) as part of carrying out their mission; this is not the first time they have participated in the mission, they have done so previously as well,” he said.

Meanwhile, Republika Editor-in-Chief Andi Muhyiddin condemned the interception by the Israeli military of the humanitarian mission vessel in international waters.

The detention of Global Sumud Flotilla crew cases draws further attention to the safety of humanitarian workers and journalists in armed conflict areas, especially in the distribution of aid to Gaza civilians.