Nine Indonesian citizens participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission to Gaza were detained by Israeli authorities on Tuesday, May 19. The leadership of the Indonesian media outlet Republika, which had two of its journalists among those held, has urged the Indonesian government to leverage the Board of Peace forum to secure the immediate release of all detained Indonesians involved in this humanitarian voyage.
“While it is true that Indonesia and Israel do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, we must recognize that Indonesia is a member of the Board of Peace. President Prabowo has previously appeared in the same forum alongside Prime Minister Netanyahu and Donald Trump,” stated Republika Editor-in-Chief Andi Muhyiddin. He emphasized that the Indonesian government must exert significant pressure on Israel to release the entire humanitarian fleet and its international crew.
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The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that they are aware of the detention of the nine citizens. In a written statement, the ministry pledged to utilize diplomatic channels to negotiate the release of the Indonesians and ensure their safe return home. As these diplomatic efforts unfold, BBC News Indonesia reached out to the families of those currently in custody to share their stories.
In Bandung, West Java, Hany Hanifah Humanisa, the mother of Republika photojournalist and GSF participant Thoudy Bada Rifanbillahi, shared her internal struggle. Initially, she had opposed her son’s voyage, but she ultimately gave her blessing after witnessing his unwavering passion for journalism. “Thoudy is a very calm person,” Hany said. “My biggest fear was that the IDF would act unpredictably and cause him physical harm.”
The GSF mission center reported on May 18 that their ships were attacked during an act of “illegal aggression in international waters,” approximately 460 kilometers from the Gaza coast—a region under Israel’s maritime blockade. While the GSF released video footage they claim shows Israeli forces firing on one of their vessels, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied these allegations. Instead, Israel has accused the GSF of provocation and attempting to provide aid to Hamas—a claim the GSF has consistently denied, maintaining that their mission is strictly humanitarian.
In Makassar, South Sulawesi, Sutrawati Kaharuddin, the mother of another detainee, Andi Angga Prasadewa, pleaded for her son’s release. “He did not carry any weapons; he only carried food and medicine for those in need in Palestine,” she stated.
The Story of Thoudy: A Journalist Caught in the Conflict
Thoudy Bada Rifanbillahi, a photojournalist for Republika, first became involved with the GSF in August 2025, when he traveled to Tunis to attend basic training for the civil society-led humanitarian mission. However, participation in the later stages of the expedition required a formal commitment and parental consent, which Hany withheld at the time, resulting in Thoudy cancelling his initial plans.
The journalist’s path crossed with the GSF again when his editors assigned him and colleague Bambang Noroyono to cover the voyage. Believing it was a routine journalistic assignment, Hany granted her permission. When Thoudy arrived in Turkey in early May, he reached out to his mother again, seeking approval to join the convoy. Reflecting on her decision, Hany noted, “As a mother, I know my son’s passion. I didn’t want him to live only for his family, but for himself. We discussed the risks, and I ultimately supported him with my prayers.”
On May 14, the vessel carrying Thoudy departed from Marmaris, Turkey, alongside 53 others. Despite the historical reality that such expeditions rarely reach their destination due to Israeli interception, Thoudy was driven by a professional need to document the events firsthand. Hany maintained contact with her son until he reached international waters, roughly 200 nautical miles from Gaza. Only six hours after their last conversation, he was apprehended.
Hany now waits in hope, supported by Republika, and maintains a mantra for her son: “I hope he keeps his composure. As he and his team told me, staying calm is the key.”
“My Son Is Not a Terrorist”
For Sutrawati Kaharuddin, the detention of her son, Andi Angga Prasadewa, has been an agonizing experience. A representative for the charity Rumah Zakat, the 32-year-old Angga is a veteran of humanitarian missions, having visited Gaza three times via land routes. “He has brought aid to Gaza before,” Sutrawati explained. “This time, they chose the sea route.”
Before his departure, Angga told his younger sibling—but not his mother—that he sensed obstacles ahead, perhaps sensing an impending interception. Contact was lost on May 18 around 3:00 PM local time. Since then, the family has had no word from him.
“I hope President Prabowo helps rescue my son because he is a humanitarian activist. He is not a terrorist who deserves to be kidnapped,” Sutrawati urged. “He was only carrying food and medicine for those in need in Palestine.”
Diplomatic Efforts for Release
The Global Peace Conference Indonesia, which coordinated the GSF delegation, has reportedly assembled a legal team and contacted Indonesian embassies in the region. Editor-in-Chief Andi Muhyiddin reiterated that the organization is working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), and the House of Representatives (DPR) to apply pressure.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Vahd Nabyl Mulachela stated that Indonesia is actively engaging with regional authorities to secure the release of all crew members. The ministry has also instructed representatives in Egypt, Italy, and Jordan to assist with the process and is prepared to issue travel documents should the detainees’ passports be confiscated. Ultimately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains that Israel must guarantee the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and that the interception of these peaceful participants was unjustified.
Summary
Nine Indonesian citizens, including journalists and humanitarian workers, were detained by Israeli authorities on May 19 after their vessel in the Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted in international waters. While the flotilla asserts that their mission was strictly for delivering humanitarian aid like food and medicine to Gaza, Israel has accused the participants of provocation and providing support to Hamas. Families of the detainees and leaders from the media outlet Republika have called on the Indonesian government to utilize diplomatic channels and international forums to secure their immediate and safe release.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is actively working through diplomatic missions in Egypt, Jordan, and Italy to negotiate the safe return of the citizens. Officials have maintained that the detention of these peaceful humanitarian participants is unjustified and are pressuring Israel to ensure the unhindered flow of aid to Gaza. Meanwhile, the families of those in custody remain in a state of distress, pleading with the government to prioritize the rescue of their loved ones who traveled solely to provide humanitarian assistance.