PAN Legislator Praises Foreign Ministry for Returning Nine Indonesian Citizens, Flotilla Volunteers, from Israel
I commend the government’s swift steps, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all RI representative personnel who have been actively engaging through diplomatic and consular channels so that the nine Indonesian citizens involved in that humanitarian mission could leave the territory of Israel safely, Farah told reporters on Friday, 22 May 2026.
Farah notes that global geopolitical dynamics are increasingly complex. With the detention incident, she urged a more adaptive, rapid and cross-sector coordinated protection system for Indonesian nationals.
According to her, the conflict in the Middle East presents not only conventional security risks but also humanitarian challenges, protection for press workers, civilian volunteers, and the safety of citizens in high-risk areas.
“In any level of conflict, the safety of civilians, humanitarian workers, and journalists must be respected as part of universal humanitarian principles and international law,” Farah asserted.
Farah also highlighted that several of the detained Indonesians are journalists carrying out journalistic tasks in an international humanitarian mission. She said protection of the press in conflict zones should be a concern shared by the international community.
“In the midst of the global information warfare, independent and safe journalism is increasingly important. The world needs accurate facts, not narratives that merely blame each other,” she said.
“As a legislator responsible for foreign affairs, defence, communication and security, Farah believes Indonesia should continue to strengthen active humanitarian diplomacy, while remaining grounded in international law. Also, respect for the sovereignty of states, and maximum protection for Indonesian citizens abroad.”
“Farah regards this experience as an important lesson for strengthening the risk mitigation system for Indonesians in conflict areas, including enhanced cross-ministerial coordination, emergency communication channels, mapping of high-risk areas, and strengthened protection protocols for Indonesian volunteers and journalists in war zones.”
“Indonesia must remain a strong moral voice in global humanitarian issues. But at the same time, the state must also be visibly present to ensure the safety of every citizen wherever they are,” she said.
“Previously, the total number of Indonesians detained by the Israeli army was nine. The following is the list of the nine Indonesians abducted by the Israeli army, according to the GPCI report:”
Herman Budianto Sudarsono (GPCI - Dompet Dhuafa) Ship Zapyro
Ronggo Wirasanu (GPCI - Dompet Dhuafa) Ship Zapyro
Andi Angga Prasadewa (GPCI - Rumah Zakat) Ship Josef
Asad Aras Muhammad (GPCI - Spirit of Aqso) Ship Kasr-1
Hendro Prasetyo (GPCI - SMART 171) Ship Kasr-1
Bambang Noroyono (REPUBLIKA) Ship BoraLize
Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah (REPUBLIKA) Ship Ozgurluk
Andre Prasetyo Nugroho (Tempo) Ship Ozgurluk
Rahendro herubowo (Tim Media GPCI dan iNews) Ship Ozgurluk