Report: IDF Says Nine Indonesian Nationals Are Fine, to Be Released

Tel Aviv – The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reportedly claim that Indonesian nationals they escorted from international waters are in good condition. They say the volunteers and Indonesian journalists are not considered a threat. ‘I can assure you we are treating them well because we are a country, not a terrorist organisation,’ said Lihi, International Public Affairs Staff at the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), quoted by albalad.co on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The IDF staff then cited how when Israel detained Armada Global Sumud activists last month, they were fed. The official added that the nine Indonesian nationals will be deported soon. Albalad also quotes an Israeli parliament member promising all Indonesian volunteers and journalists would soon be freed. ‘We are not interested in holding them longer and they will be deported soon,’ said a Yesh Atid party politician who asked not to be named to Albalad. The former deputy director of Mossad added that the nine Indonesians were not injured at all. He claimed they were captured without violence. ‘I hope they do not act stupid like that again,’ he said. Republika contacted the Albalad.co administrator, who claimed the validity of the statements received via a WhatsApp telephone line. According to him, the Indonesians could be released as they are not connected with Palestinian resistance groups and have never set foot in Gaza. So far, Israel has abducted nine Indonesian citizens, including four journalists. They were arrested in international waters near Cyprus, about 250 nautical miles from Gaza. Among those arrested are Republika journalists Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai. Other detainees include Andi Angga Prasadewa from Rumah Zakat, Tempo TV journalist Andre Prasetyo, correspondent Nugroho Rahendro Herubowo, Herman Budianto Sudarsono and Ronggo Wirasanu from Dompet Dhuafa, Asad Aras Muhammad from Spirit of Aqsa, and Hendro Prasetyo from Smart 171.