PAKU MEDIA, ISTANBUL – Nine Indonesian citizens (WNI), consisting of activists and journalists, can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After being unilaterally detained by the Israeli military while carrying out a humanitarian mission to Gaza, they have now arrived safely in Istanbul, Turkiye, while waiting to return to their homeland.
However, their return brought dark stories about the violence they experienced during their detention.
Abduction at Sea
The Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, revealed that the delegates who were members of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 mission were actually victims of kidnapping.
For three to four days, they were held captive by the Israeli military before finally being flown from Ramon Airport in the Timna Valley using a chartered plane facilitated by the Turkiye authorities.
Their presence in these waters is purely for a humanitarian mission, namely breaking through the blockade to distribute aid to Gaza which is currently being hit by a major crisis.
Also read: Indonesian journalist ‘held hostage’ by Israel: Iwakum urges government to act before it’s too late!
Testimonies of Violence: Tasers to Abuse
A heartbreaking report came from the Head of the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) Istanbul, Darianto Harsono. Based on the victims’ statements, during the period of detention they were not only limited in their movement, but also received treatment that was far from humane limits.
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Physical Violence: Several delegates claimed to have been beaten and given electric shocks tasersuntil he was shot with rubber bullets.
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Psychological Intimidation: In addition to physical injuries, they also experience humiliation, abuse, and are forced to endure painful body positions for long periods of time.
Despite having to go through heavy physical and psychological pressure, the government ensures that the general health condition of the nine Indonesian citizens is currently stable.
Strong Criticism from Jakarta
The Indonesian government does not remain silent when it sees its citizens being treated harshly. Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia strongly condemns the actions of the Israeli authorities. According to him, this action is a clear violation of international law and universal humanitarian principles.
“The treatment of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 delegates is very contrary to human values,” said Sugiono.
Also Read: Drama on the High Seas: Indonesian Volunteers and Journalists Intercepted by Israeli Troops on Mission to Gaza
Preparing to Return to Homeland
Currently, the Indonesian Ambassador to Turkiye, Achmad Rizal Purnama, is accompanying Indonesian citizens to undergo a series of medical procedures.
Before being flown to Indonesia, they had to go through a thorough medical examination, a post-mortem to document traces of violence, and take official testimony as authentic evidence of what they experienced at the hands of the Israeli military.
The Sumud Flotilla 2.0 Global Mission itself is part of the global solidarity movement which continues to strive to break the blockade of Gaza, proving that even when faced with weapons, concern for others will never wane.***
