MUI: Israel's Arrest of Indonesian Journalist is Shameful

The Head of Foreign Cooperation for the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, stated that Israel’s actions in arresting an Indonesian journalist, Bambang Noroyono (also known as Abeng), are shameful.

“On behalf of the MUI, I wish to emphasise that Israel’s actions in obstructing humanitarian efforts via the Sumud Flotilla ships, which includes the abduction of a Republika journalist participating in this mission, are shameful,” Sudarnotno said via a short message on Tuesday.

He added that Israel’s actions clearly demonstrate the Zionist regime’s profound fear of humanitarian defenders. According to Sudarnoto, the abduction of the Indonesian journalist and humanitarian activists represents Israel’s resistance to international law.

“I also urge the Indonesian government to take measured steps to protect our citizen abducted by Israel. Do not allow them to remain detained by Israel; work towards their release while providing real support for Palestine until it achieves independence,” he stated.

Currently, nine Indonesian citizens are participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission. These include Andi Angga Prasadewa from Rumah Zakat, who is aboard the ship Joseph; three individuals aboard the ship Ozgurluk, namely Thoudy Badai, Rahendro Herubowo, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho; and Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono (Abeng) aboard the ship BoraLize.

It has been confirmed that Andi Angga Prasadewa, an Indonesian citizen on the ship Joseph, has been detained by Israeli soldiers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the Israeli government to immediately release all ships and crew members of the international humanitarian mission involved in the detention.