At least nine Indonesian citizens are among the crew and volunteers caught in the Israeli military’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission in international waters near Cyprus this Monday, May 18. Among those detained are several Indonesian journalists who were documenting the humanitarian effort.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a stern condemnation of the interception, demanding the immediate release of all detained vessels and their crews. The government is currently coordinating with the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to ensure the safety of the volunteers and expedite their safe return home.
Status of Indonesian Detainees
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at least 10 humanitarian ships—including the Josef, Amanda, Barbaros, and Blue Toys—have been seized by Israeli forces. Among the Indonesian delegation, Andi Angga Prasadewa of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI)–Rumah Zakat was aboard the Josef. Meanwhile, the status of Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono remains uncertain, as the vessel he was reporting from has ceased all communication.
“We have been unable to contact the vessel carrying journalist Bambang Noroyono, and his current status remains unknown,” stated Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang. She reiterated the government’s urgent stance, emphasizing that the situation on the ground is highly dynamic and that authorities are doing everything possible to secure the release of all citizens.
Journalists and Activists Speak Out
Republika has confirmed that two of its journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, were part of the nine-member Indonesian contingent. The publication’s Editor-in-Chief, Andi Muhyiddin, expressed grave concern for their safety and condemned the interception as a blatant violation of international law and universal humanitarian principles. He stressed that the mission was strictly civilian, carrying medical supplies and essential logistics for the people of Gaza rather than any form of weaponry.
In a harrowing development, participants had prepared for the possibility of detention. Before losing contact, Tempo TV journalist Andre Prasetyo Nugroho sent a 53-second SOS video to the GPCI team. “If you are watching this video, it means I have been captured by the Zionist Israeli regime,” he stated. Similarly, participant Bambang Daryono, also known as Abeng, managed to record a message from the mission, calling for the Indonesian government’s assistance in securing his release.
Global Sumud Flotilla Denounces “Illegal Aggression”
In its official statement, the GSF described the interception as a resumption of illegal aggression on the high seas. The fleet, composed of unarmed civilian vessels, was intercepted approximately 250 nautical miles from its destination. Live footage from the GSF website captured the tense moments when Israeli commandos boarded the ships while passengers held their hands up in a gesture of non-resistance.
The GSF organizers underscored that the participants, including medical professionals and journalists, were strictly adhering to peaceful methods. They have called upon the international community to intervene and halt what they describe as acts of piracy designed to maintain the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
While Israel maintains that its blockade is legally justified to prevent prohibited items from entering Gaza, the GSF insists its cargo consists solely of humanitarian aid, including baby formula and medicine. This comes at a critical time, as the United Nations reports that many displaced families in Gaza remain trapped in dire conditions, living in overcrowded tents or damaged structures with limited access to clean water and essential supplies. The Indonesian government continues to monitor the situation closely, awaiting further developments regarding the fate of the detainees.
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Summary
The Israeli military intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 in international waters near Cyprus, detaining nine Indonesian citizens, including journalists and humanitarian volunteers. The humanitarian mission, which carried medical supplies and essential goods for Gaza, was seized by Israeli forces despite the participants’ non-resistant, civilian status. The status of some detainees, particularly those on vessels that have lost communication, remains a significant concern.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the interception and is actively coordinating with embassies in the region to secure the safe release and return of its citizens. Organizers of the flotilla have labeled the act as illegal aggression, calling for international intervention to end the blockade. Meanwhile, the Indonesian government continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of the detained personnel.