MANDALIKA THE MIND OF THE PEOPLE – The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli military’s actions in intercepting a number of ships in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 international humanitarian mission in the open waters of the Eastern Mediterranean. This incident sparked international concern because it involved humanitarian aid and civilians from various countries, including Indonesian citizens (WNI).
Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, said that to date at least ten ships have been confirmed to have been captured. Some of the ships included in the group included Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys.
According to him, the Indonesian government continues to monitor the development situation which is still considered very dynamic. Yvonne explained that it was certain that an Indonesian citizen was on board the Josef.
“Based on information from the Indonesian ship Global Peace Convoy (GPCI), Josef was informed that there was an Indonesian citizen. In the name of Andi Angga Prasadewa who is a representative from GPCI-Rumah Zakat,” said Yvonne in her statement, Monday, May 18 2026, evening.
Apart from that, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also still trying to obtain information regarding the condition of the ship carrying Republika journalist, Bambang Noroyono. Until now, communications with the ship are still being maintained to ensure the safety of the crew and all passengers on board.
“We are still trying to contact the ship carrying journalists in the name of Bambang Noroyono. To find out the status of the ship, including Mr. Bambang Noroyono on the ship,” added Yvonne.
The Indonesian government urges Israel to immediately release all detained international humanitarian mission ships and crew. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people must continue to be distributed in accordance with the principles of international humanitarian law.
“The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Israel to immediately release all the international humanitarian mission ships and crew it is holding, as well as guarantee the continued distribution of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law,” he said.
Since the beginning, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens, has coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo and the Indonesian Embassy in Amman to prepare anticipatory steps for Indonesian citizens involved in this mission. The government is also preparing various contingency measures for the safety of Indonesia’s opponents.
“The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also continues to communicate with various related parties to obtain the latest information regarding the condition of Indonesian citizens. As well as preparing contingency measures, including facilitating protection and accelerating the repatriation process if necessary,” said Yvonne.
Meanwhile, Republika Editor-in-Chief, Andi Muhyiddin, stated that in the humanitarian mission team there were nine volunteers from Indonesia. Among them are two Republika journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Storm, who carry out journalistic duties as well as humanitarian missions for Palestine.
“Their safety is our serious concern. We stand together to fight world humanity and we reject all forms of criminalization of humanitarian missions in international waters,” said Andi Muhyiddin in his written statement. ***
