Prabowo Administration Condemns Detention of Indonesian Journalists by Israel

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Indonesian Minister of Communications and Information Technology Meutya Hafid strongly condemned the Israeli military’s interception and detention of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea en route to Gaza. The convoy included several Indonesian journalists, namely Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai from Republika, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho from Tempo, who were carrying out journalistic duties covering the international humanitarian mission. ‘We are following with deep concern the news about Indonesian journalists who are carrying out reporting duties on the humanitarian mission to Gaza. In the midst of the conflict, the safety of journalists must always be our concern,’ Meutya said in Jakarta on Monday, 18 May 2026. Meutya emphasised that journalists are there to bring the voice of humanity and to convey facts to the global public. Therefore, journalistic work must be respected and provided a safe space, especially in humanitarian crisis situations. According to information from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at least 10 humanitarian mission ships have been detained, including the ships Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys. To date, the ships carrying journalists have not been contactable and the status of the crew inside remains unknown. Meutya said her side supports diplomatic steps by the Foreign Ministry to ensure protection and safety for all Indonesian citizens in the convoy. ‘The Kemkomdigi will continue to coordinate with the Foreign Ministry and other relevant parties to monitor developments and support protective measures for Indonesian citizens on the mission,’ Meutya added. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry previously stated that it had coordinated with the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to prepare protective steps and expedite the repatriation of Indonesian citizens if necessary. ‘Our prayers and hopes accompany all journalists and humanitarian volunteers so that they are always kept safe,’ Meutya concluded, as quoted in a press release from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Tuesday, 19 May 2026.