Three Indonesian journalists detained by Israeli forces during Global Sumud Flotilla, Press Council urges government to act
Three Indonesian journalists were detained by the Israeli military after the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 convoy was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in international waters on the evening of Monday, 18 May, Jakarta time. The journalists are Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah from Republika, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho from Tempo TV. The journalists are part of Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, which is part of an international civil society coalition seeking to deliver humanitarian aid—such as food and medicines—to Gaza, Palestine.
The Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 fleet departed Marmaris, Turkey, on Thursday, 14 May, with 54 ships carrying crew from around 70 countries. At the time of interception by the Israeli military, the convoy was in international waters about 310 nautical miles from Gaza.
The Press Council condemned the detention and urged the Indonesian government to immediately use diplomatic channels to secure the release of the three journalists and other Indonesian civilians captured. ‘The Press Council condemns the actions of the Israeli military who intercepted and detained Indonesian journalists along with other civilian crew in international waters while en route to Gaza, Palestine,’ said Komaruddin Hidayat, Chairman of the Press Council, in a Statement of Position, on Tuesday, 19 May. The Press Council also asked the Indonesian government not to remain silent over the detention. ‘We urge the Indonesian government to use its diplomatic channels to secure the release of journalists and other Indonesian civilians captured by the Israeli military, including assisting their repatriation to Indonesia,’ Komaruddin said. The Press Council stated that the statement of position is issued as a commitment to safeguarding press freedom and to ensuring that the media can discharge their duties under the applicable law. (H-3)
The Turkish government condemned the actions of the Israeli forces intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission in international waters as it heads toward the Gaza Strip.
South Korean activist Kim Dong-hyeon is believed to be detained by the Israeli Navy after the Kyriakos X was intercepted in waters off Cyprus while sailing with the Global Sumud Flotilla toward Gaza.
Member of the DPR’s Commission I, Cindy Monica Salsabila Setiawan, urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take active diplomatic steps to secure the release of nine Indonesians, including the journalists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by Israel.
The Indonesian Photo Journalists Association (PFI) Central Board strongly condemned the Israeli military (IDF) for intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2026 in international waters.
TB Hasanuddin, a member of the DPR RI Commission I, called on the government to immediately take emergency diplomatic action after several Indonesian humanitarian volunteers heading to Gaza were captured by the Israeli military.
The Indonesian Photo Journalists Association (PFI) Central Board condemned the Israeli military’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2026 in international waters.