TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Foreign Ministry said five Indonesian citizens were detained by the Israeli military while taking part in an international humanitarian mission, the Global Sumud Flotilla, in the eastern Mediterranean waters on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said in a video statement on Thursday, May 19, 2026, that a total of nine Indonesian nationals were involved in the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia team under the GSF 2.0 mission.
Of those, five have reportedly been detained by Israeli forces in waters near Cyprus or the eastern Mediterranean.
“Five Indonesian citizens have reportedly been detained by the Israeli military in the vicinity of Cyprus or the eastern Mediterranean waters,” she said.
Five Detained Indonesians Held by Israel
The Foreign Ministry said the five detained Indonesians were aboard the vessels Bolarize, Ozgurluk, and Josef.
Journalist Bambang Noroyono of Republika was on board the Bolarize.
On the Ozgurluk, the Indonesians included Andre Prasetyo Nugroho, Tempo journalist, along with Thoudy Badai and Rahendro Herubowo.
Another Indonesian citizen, humanitarian activist Andi Angga Prasadewa, was aboard the Josef.
Yvonne added that the remaining four Indonesians aboard two separate vessels are still operating in the waters near Cyprus. She warned that the situation remains highly dynamic, and the four citizens could still be intercepted at any time.
The Foreign Ministry, she said, continues to monitor developments, verify the positions and conditions of all Indonesian nationals, and prepare necessary protection measures.
“The Foreign Ministry urges the government of Israel to immediately release all ships and crew members of the detained international humanitarian mission, and ensure the continuation of humanitarian aid delivery to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law,” she said.
Indonesia has also joined a joint statement with nine countries — Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Pakistan, and Spain — condemning the Israeli attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla.
“Indonesian representatives remain on standby to promptly follow up on reports from local authorities,” Yvonne added.
Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to the writing of this article.
Read: Indonesian Embassy Prepares Aid for Citizens Detained by Israel
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