Two Indonesian volunteers with the Global Sumud Flotilla escape Israeli interception; five captured.

Two Indonesian citizens (WNI) who volunteered for the humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) have successfully avoided interception by the Israeli naval forces (IOF). They are Herman Budianto and Ronggo Wirasanu, who were aboard the Zepiro.

In a video call broadcast at a press conference by Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) on Monday evening, 18 May 2026, Herman spoke about the manoeuvres of the Zepiro to avoid IOF interception.

Initially, dozens of GSF vessels were being surveilled by drones and IOF boats in international waters of the Mediterranean.

However in the morning, two IOF warships appeared, lowering boats and approaching dozens of GSF vessels.

“Thank God our team—the captain, the crew; from an exceptionally skilled team. They were able to manoeuvre to evade pursuit by the IOF boats,” he said.

Herman added that they were saved not only by the team’s capability but also by God’s aid and the prayers of humanitarian activists for Gaza, Palestine.

At present, Herman and Ronggo remain in the open waters of the Mediterranean and are separated from the rest of the GSF convoy.

“So the other ships indeed dispersed widely, and we will later return to the point we are heading to,” he said.