Tempo Gives Special Attention to Andre's Safety While Detained by Israel
The Tempo family group has voiced concern for Tempo reporter Andre Prasetyo Nugroho, who was detained by Israeli military while reporting on a humanitarian aid mission to Gaza, Palestine. Andre was detained by Israeli soldiers as his ship crossed international waters on Monday, 18 May 2026.
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Tempo Corporate Secretary Jajang Jamaludin said management is giving special attention to Andre’s safety and his family’s psychological condition.
‘Tempo continues to maintain communication with Andre’s family representatives to provide support, accompaniment, and to convey information periodically,’ Jajang said in a written statement on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
Before being sent to Gaza, Tempo had provided adequate training to Andre to cover and volunteer in conflict areas, both through internal training and training organised by the inviting bodies, Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI).
Tempo dispatched Andre on the humanitarian mission because aid to civilians in Gaza is extremely urgent. In addition, public attention in Indonesia to the Gaza conflict is very high. Jajang explained that, as a press institution, Tempo considers it important to fulfil the public’s right to obtain information directly from the field.
Jajang explained that Tempo has received formal confirmation from the inviting party that Andre is among the humanitarian volunteers detained by Israeli troops on Monday, 18 May 2026, after regular contact with Andre was cut off since Sunday, 17 May 2026.
‘At this moment, Tempo continues to complete and update information through various parties, especially GSF and GPCI, to obtain a comprehensive picture of the situation on the ground,’ he said.
Tempo also employs various communication channels and networks, both domestically and internationally, to ensure the issue receives joint attention and to seek the best steps to guarantee Andre’s safety and repatriation.
In addition, Tempo continues to coordinate with media and other institutions whose staff are also reported detained by Israeli forces to formulate and implement joint steps in fundraising for solidarity, international support, and efforts to repatriate volunteers and media workers detained.
‘So far, the response from various parties we have coordinated with has been very positive, although access to the conflict area remains very limited,’ said Jajang. ‘Tempo will continue to monitor developments and provide the latest information to the public.’
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said the Ministry has asked the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, Cairo, Rome, Amman, and the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul to prepare anticipatory steps such as issuing Surat Perjalanan Laksana Paspor (SPLP) if Indonesian passports are seized, and medical support if required.
‘Indonesian representatives are also engaging with local authorities to ensure transit access and the repatriation process for Indonesian citizens can proceed without immigration obstacles,’ Yvonne said in a video message to Tempo on 19 May 2026.
Yvonne said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Indonesian representatives, will continue to monitor the situation, verify the position and condition of Indonesian citizens involved, and prepare protective steps as needed on the ground.
Of the nine Indonesians who joined this mission, five have been abducted by Israeli forces.
On the Bolarize ship, Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono, along with two Malaysian nationals, was detained by Israeli forces. On the Ozgurljuk ship, three Indonesian journalist volunteers were abducted by Israeli forces en route to Gaza, Palestine. They include Andre Prasetyo from Tempo; Thoudy Badai from Republika; and Heru Rahendro, a contributor to Inews, Beritasatu, and CNN.
Another Indonesian, humanitarian activist Andi Angga, was also abducted with the other convoy on the Josef ship.