Indonesia's Republika Journalist Detained by Israeli Forces

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono has been detained by the Israeli military while taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 humanitarian mission. The news was revealed by Bambang himself in a 56-minute video posted to Republika’s social media channels on Monday, May 18, 2026.

"I appeal to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to free me from this abduction by the Zionist Israeli army," Bambang stated in the footage. He further urged the Indonesian government to maintain its support for Palestinian independence.

Republika’s Editor-in-Chief, Andi Muhyiddin, issued a strong condemnation of the interception carried out by the Israeli military against the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters. He emphasized that the military's actions constitute a grave violation of international law.

"It is also a violation of universal humanitarian principles, as well as the civil freedom of global citizens bringing aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza," Andi said on Monday.

According to Andi, the volunteers were not armed with weapons, but rather with solidarity, medical supplies, logistics, and the collective conscience of the world for Palestine's civilian population. He noted that the movement was a pure act of solidarity with Palestinians who have endured months of relentless blockades, famine, and aggression.

The mission included nine Indonesian volunteers, among them two Republika journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, who were performing both journalistic and humanitarian duties. Andi affirmed that the safety of the two journalists is a primary concern for the publication and declared that Republika stands firmly with global humanitarian volunteers.

"We reject any form of criminalization of humanitarian missions in international waters," Andi concluded.

Read: Seven Killed in Israeli Strikes on Gaza City During Nakba Day

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