Republika Journalist and 100 Activists Arrested by Israel; Persis Urges Indonesia to Act
Israeli forces have reportedly arrested around 100 humanitarian activists sailing towards the Gaza Strip, Palestine, in international waters. Among those detained by the Zionist military is Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono, who was aboard the vessel Boralize.
Responding to the incident, the General Chairman of the Central Leadership of Persatuan Islam (Persis), KH Jeje Zahendudin, asserted that the organisation strongly condemns Israel’s actions in abducting the humanitarian team and journalists. “Persis requests the Indonesian government, alongside other nations and the international community, to pressure and force Zionist Israel to release all humanitarian volunteers and journalists,” Kiai Jeje told Republika in Jakarta on Monday (18/5/2026).
At approximately 15:45 WIB, Republika received reports that Israeli soldiers had intercepted the humanitarian aid fleet, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission, in international waters. Following the interception, Zionist forces detained approximately 100 GSF activists, including the aforementioned Republika journalist.
“If you find this video, please convey to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia that I am currently being abducted by Zionist Israeli soldiers. I request that the Indonesian government free me from this abduction by the Zionist colonial soldiers,” said Bambang Noroyono in an SOS video sent on Monday (18/5/2026) morning, Turkey time.
The transmission of this SOS video is a standard protocol for participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, intended for use if a vessel is intercepted by the IDF and participants face potential arrest.
The Global Sumud Flotilla coalition stated that Israeli military vessels began intercepting the fleet. In a statement posted on social media, they noted that Israeli forces boarded the first ship during the day.
“Military ships are currently intercepting our fleet, and Israeli forces boarded our first ship in broad daylight,” the Global Sumud Flotilla statement read.
Israeli media reported that the detained activists will be taken to the Port of Ashdod, Israel’s largest port, once the operation is complete. Four Israeli warships were reportedly involved in the operation, ordering all vessels within the fleet to shut down their engines. According to Israeli media reports, the aid fleet was intercepted off the coast of Cyprus.