TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the military actions taken by Israel to intercept several vessels within the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 international humanitarian convoy in the waters near Cyprus. One of the intercepted ships carried a group of Indonesian volunteers, including Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono.
As of Monday night, May 18, 2026, the government has been unable to establish contact with the vessel carrying Bambang. "The ship carrying Bambang Noroyono has not been able to be contacted so far," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang told Tempo on Monday night.
Yvonne noted that the Indonesian government has yet to determine the exact status of the intercepted ships, though at least ten vessels have been confirmed as detained. Among those identified are the Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys. According to data from the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), the Josef also carried an Indonesian national, Andi Angga Prasadewa, representing the GPCI-Rumah Zakat delegation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the Israeli government to immediately release all detained vessels and crews involved in the international humanitarian mission. Furthermore, the Indonesian government has called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the Palestinian people without further hindrance, in strict accordance with international humanitarian law.
Yvonne stated that the Ministry’s Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens has already coordinated with the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to prepare anticipatory measures in a bid to ensure the safety of Indonesian nationals and expedite their eventual repatriation. "The situation on the ground remains highly dynamic, and we must anticipate all potential developments," Yvonne remarked.
The Ministry further clarified that it remains in constant communication with relevant parties to secure the latest updates on the condition of the Indonesian citizens. Simultaneously, the government is finalizing contingency plans, which include providing protection and facilitating a swift return home if needed.
"The protection of our citizens remains the top priority of the Indonesian government as this situation rapidly evolves," Yvonne concluded.
Read: Indonesia's Republika Journalist Detained by Israeli Forces
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