Hi Bandung – The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that five Indonesian citizens were arrested by Israeli troops during an ambush on a ship in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian convoy on Monday, 18 May 2026.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it continues to monitor the condition of Indonesian citizens and carry out diplomatic coordination to ensure their safety and protection during the handling process.
Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, stated that there were nine Indonesian citizens who were members of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) coalition who were part of the GSF 2.0 humanitarian shipping mission to the Gaza Strip.
“Based on information as of this morning, five Indonesian citizens were reported to have been arrested by the Israeli military,” said Yvonne in a statement broadcast on Tuesday, May 19 2026.
Four other Indonesian citizens continued their voyage
Meanwhile, four other Indonesian citizens who were on two different ships are known to be continuing their voyage around Cypriot waters.
He explained that the situation on the ground was still very dynamic, and other Indonesian citizens who escaped the Israeli Zionist troops’ interception yesterday were still at risk of being kidnapped by Israel.
“The four Indonesian citizens who are still sailing remain in a vulnerable condition and at any time could experience interception by the Israeli military,” said a spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In connection with these developments, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has carried out initial coordination with a number of Indonesian Embassies in Cairo, Rome, Amman and Istanbul to prepare steps to handle Indonesian citizens arrested by Zionist Israel.
Ready to publish SPLP
Indonesian representatives are ready to issue SPLP (Travel Letter Like Passport) as a replacement travel document if their passport is confiscated by Zionists, as well as provide medical support if necessary.
“The Indonesian representatives also approached local authorities to ensure that transit access and the process of returning Indonesian citizens can run without immigration obstacles,” he said.
In addition, local Indonesian representatives will continue to monitor developments in the situation, verify the position and condition of Indonesian citizens, prepare protective measures, and immediately follow up on notifications from local authorities as soon as they are received.
Indonesia strongly condemns the actions of the Israeli military which intercepted ships carrying humanitarian aid and arrested their volunteers, which included a number of Indonesian citizens, he said.
“The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges the Israeli authorities to immediately release all detained ships and crew of international humanitarian missions,” said a spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This situation also reaffirms the importance of the Zionist regime’s awareness of ensuring the continued distribution of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law, said Yvonne.***
