Torture of Indonesian Nationals by Israel Must Be Reported to the ICC

Member of Parliament (DPR) Commission I, Syamsu Rizal, urged that the torture experienced by nine Indonesian nationals during Israel’s humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 should be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC). He said the treatment by Israeli soldiers towards the GSF volunteers, including the Indonesian nationals among them, had exceeded the limits of decency and humanity.

‘This is about building consensus to bring the issue to the ICC, while encouraging Palestine to bring it to the ICJ (International Court of Justice),’ Syamsu said in a Jakarta statement on Friday (22 May 2026).

All parties, he said, should mobilise international support to condemn Israel’s actions. He hopes the outcome of these efforts would see the Israeli soldiers who tortured punished and would characterise it as a war crime or crime against humanity.

‘Not only the Israeli leadership but also the soldiers involved. That implies an open investigation,’ he said.

He also urged that the torture experienced by the Indonesians be taken to a domestic Ad Hoc Human Rights Court. The outcome of that court, he said, could also inform the ICC.

Earlier, nine Indonesians detained by Israel had been released and flown directly to Istanbul, Turkey. They were escorted by the Indonesian Consul General in Istanbul, Darianto Harsono.

Nevertheless, the Indonesians did not escape physical violence by Israeli soldiers. He said they reported being beaten, kicked, and tasered while in custody.