TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several Indonesian delegates participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission were intercepted by the Israeli military while sailing through the Mediterranean Sea toward Gaza. The Indonesian nationals currently in detention include both journalists and humanitarian activists.
According to data released by the Global Sumud Flotilla as of 9:20 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at least five Indonesians have seen their vessels intercepted. On board the Bolarize, Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono was detained alongside two Malaysian nationals by Israeli forces.
On another vessel, the Ozgurluk, three Indonesian citizens were seized during the mission to Gaza. They include Tempo TV journalist Andre Prasetyo, Republika journalist Thoudy Badai, and iNews journalist Heru Rahendro.
Humanitarian activist Andi Angga has also been detained by the Israeli military during the flotilla mission. Andi Angga was part of the group traveling on the ship Josef.
Meanwhile, as of Monday night, two Indonesian citizens remain aboard a vessel that is still sailing: Asad Aras and Hendro Prasetyo on the Kasri Sadabad. On the ship Zefiro, two other Indonesians, Herman Budianto and Ronggo Wirsanu, are also still in transit across Mediterranean waters.
This information was confirmed by Harfin Naqsyabandy, Media Coordinator for the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia. "Five Indonesian delegates have been taken, while four are still sailing," he stated at the Dompet Dhuafa building in Jakarta on Monday night.
The Global Peace Convoy Indonesia first received reports of the Israeli military's interception of the flotilla on Monday afternoon. The military action began as the ships attempted to breach the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli military's interference with the international humanitarian mission. The Ministry is urging the Israeli government to immediately release all detained vessels and their respective crews.
"We will maintain constant communication with various parties to secure the latest updates on our citizens' condition, while preparing contingency measures that include protection and the acceleration of the repatriation process if needed," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang told Tempo on Monday night.
Read: Israel Intercepts Aid Flotilla Carrying 9 Indonesians
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