Pigai: Government Uses Diplomatic Channels and the UN to Protect Indonesian Citizens Detained by Israel

Bandung, West Java — Indonesian Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai said that the government continues to seek protection for Indonesian activists and journalists abducted by Israeli forces while carrying out humanitarian missions in the waters off Cyprus. Pigai said the protection efforts are being conducted through diplomatic channels and international mechanisms because Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. ‘We have conveyed, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs we have issued a condemnation. Secondly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun coordinating with diplomatic channels,’ Pigai told reporters in Bandung, West Java, on Wednesday (20 May 2026). Pigai explained that the Ministry of Human Rights cannot move directly into Israel due to the lack of diplomatic relations between the two countries. ‘The problem is that the Ministry of Human Rights cannot go directly into Israel because there are no diplomatic relations,’ he said. Nevertheless, the government continues to optimise cross-ministry cooperation, particularly with the Foreign Ministry as the frontline of Indonesia’s diplomacy. ‘We also use instruments within international mechanisms to protect our citizens. We work with the Foreign Ministry, where the Foreign Ministry is at the frontline to mobilise international instruments,’ he said. Pigai affirmed that the steps are already in motion, including communications through the United Nations (UN) channel. He also pointed to Indonesia’s position as the current President of the UN Human Rights Council. ‘Yes, indeed, the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council is independent in nature. He is someone from our country, but once appointed as President of the UNHRC, he is independent,’ Pigai said. Nevertheless, Indonesia continues to utilise institutional channels at the UN to push for protection of Indonesian citizens detained by Israel. Earlier reports indicated that one activist and four Indonesian journalists were detained by the Israeli navy while carrying out humanitarian missions with the Global Sumud Flotilla in waters off Cyprus, Monday (18 May 2026). Meanwhile, three journalists on the Ozgurluk ship — Thoudy Badai from Republika, Rahendro Herubowo from iNews, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho from TV Tempo. Another Republika journalist, Bambang Noroyono or Abeng, was on the BoraLize.