Nine Indonesian Nationals Detained by Israel, Government Seeks Help from Jordan and Turkey
Jakarta – Foreign Minister Sugiono said the Indonesian government has asked for assistance from Jordan and Turkey regarding the nine Indonesian citizens detained by the Israeli military during a humanitarian mission to Gaza, Palestine. Sugiono explained that Jordan and Turkey have diplomatic ties with Israel, and that they could convey Indonesia’s messages to Israel. “For the first step, we need to obtain accurate information on the position, situation and condition of our brothers and sisters who have been detained,” he told reporters at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, 21 May 2026. “Then, we also instruct our representatives to convey via our contacts in Jordan and Turkey, who can communicate directly with Israel, to ensure that our citizens are treated well,” he added. He said the actions of the Israeli military have violated humanitarian norms. Sugiono ensured that the Indonesian government would continue to coordinate and monitor the nine Indonesians detained by the Israeli military, hoping they can return to Indonesia safely or be deported in good health and without any shortage. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all Indonesian participants in the Gaza flotilla have been abducted by Israeli forces. “Based on the latest information, nine Indonesian citizens who are members of Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) participating in the GSF 2.0 mission have reportedly been detained by Israel,” said MFA spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela in a written response to ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday. The ministry, together with Indonesian missions in the region, continues intensive engagement with local authorities and all relevant parties to ensure all nine are safe and protected. Among the nine detained Indonesians were three national media journalists: Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai of Republika, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of Tempo, who were on their journalistic assignments.