Turkey Prepares Aircraft to Help Repatriate 9 Indonesian Citizens Detained by Israel

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Turkish government has facilitated the release of nine Indonesian nationals who were briefly detained by Israeli security forces following the attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla on 18 May 2026. In a press release from the Turkish Embassy in Jakarta on Friday, 22 May 2026, the nine Indonesians arrived safely in Istanbul on 21 May after being released. The embassy said that the Turkish government and the Indonesian government worked intensively to secure the activists’ release. ‘The Republic of Turkey fully supports the repatriation of Indonesian citizens and will provide all necessary facilities,’ the Turkish Embassy in Jakarta said. Turkey also deployed three Turkish Airlines aircraft to repatriate NGO members from the 41 countries participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that 422 humanitarian volunteers have been repatriated safely and swiftly; the nine Indonesians were among them, returning to Turkey first before continuing their journey home to Indonesia. Upon arrival in Istanbul, the Indonesian Consulate-General representatives welcomed them. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono expressed appreciation to the Turkish government for its support in the repatriation of the Indonesian activists. ‘We thank the Turkish government for its full support in helping the return of nine Indonesian citizens,’ Sugiono said. The Turkish Embassy in Jakarta hopes all Indonesians can return home safely. The embassy also reiterated its commitment to continued close cooperation with relevant authorities in various fields.