Tense Scene as Israel Intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla Vessels Carrying Indonesian Nationals
Israeli forces intercepted multiple ships in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026, the humanitarian mission bound for Gaza, Palestine. Indonesian Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) volunteer Herman Budiyanto described a tense scene as Israeli warships intercepted the volunteers’ vessel.
Herman described the incident via video conference on Monday evening, 18 May 2026, while he and his colleagues were still sailing in the Mediterranean Sea. He said he had seen drones monitoring the convoy overnight before news of the interception of the volunteers’ ships.
“Then in the morning there appeared two warships from the IDF. These ships deployed lifeboats and moved closer to pursue our ships,” Herman said via video conference.
Herman was navigating aboard the Zapyro with his associate Ronggo Wirasanu. Fortunately the vessel he was aboard managed to escape the pursuit by the Israeli army.
“They could manoeuvre and make significant evasive actions away from the pursuit by the IDF, and of course this was also thanks to God’s help, and the prayers of all Indonesians wherever they are,” he added.
Herman said the attempt to break free from the Israeli army’s pursuit involved fleeing and scattering in various directions. Then they would re-group at a pre-arranged point.
“We also couldn’t be seen by other ships. Yes, because we deployed wide to avoid observation. The other ships spread out, and later we would return to the point we are heading to,” he said.
“So if we previously indicated Gaza as the straight ahead, we are turning to the right. That’s the situation we are experiencing,” he added.
Next Herman’s colleague, Ronggo, explained that at the location there were no Israeli ships. He hoped to continue the journey safely.
“From this point, there are no military ships in sight, but we remain vigilant until tonight perhaps,” Ronggo said.
Indonesian citizens kidnapped
Earlier, Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) announced five Indonesian nationals were abducted during the Global Sumud Flotilla mission. They were abducted by Zionist Israeli troops while at sea in the eastern Mediterranean en route to Gaza, Palestine.
Harfin Naqsyabandy, GPCI Media Coordinator, said as of Monday, 18 May, at 21:20 WIB, several ships had been intercepted by Israeli forces. They include activist Andi Angga aboard the Josef; journalist Bambang Noroyono of Republika aboard the Bolarize; and on another vessel, Ozgurluk, there were three Indonesians including Tempo TV journalist Andre Prasetyo, Republika journalist Thoudy Badai, and iNews journalist Heru Rahendro.
“Five Delegations abducted. Four are still sailing,” Harfin told reporters at the Dompet Dhuafa office in South Jakarta, on Monday, 18 May 2026.
Meanwhile, four Indonesians remain on ships that are still sailing as of tonight. They are Asad Aras and Hendro Prasetyo aboard the Kasri Sadabad, and Zefiro; two Indonesians aboard are still in the Mediterranean waters. They are Herman Budiyanto and Ronggo Wirsanu.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs monitoring WNI condition
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s interception of ships and detention of activists who are part of the international humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla. The ministry continues to communicate to monitor the condition of Indonesian nationals involved in the humanitarian mission.
“Foreign Ministry strongly condemns the actions of the Israeli military intercepting several ships in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 in waters around Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean,” said the Kemlu RI spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang in a statement on Monday, 18 May 2026.
Kemlu urged Israel to release all ships and activists involved in the humanitarian mission, and to ensure the continuation of humanitarian aid delivery to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia calls on Israel to immediately release all ships and crew of the international humanitarian mission being held, and to guarantee the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law,” she added.
Kemlu said that from the outset, through the Directorate General for Protection of Indonesian Citizens, it has coordinated with the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to prepare anticipatory steps to ensure safety and expedite their repatriation if necessary.
“The Indonesian Foreign Ministry continues to engage with various parties to obtain the latest information on the condition of the Indonesian nationals, while preparing contingency steps, including protection facilitation and accelerating repatriation if required. The protection of Indonesian citizens remains the government’s top priority amid rapidly evolving developments,” she concluded.