Nine Indonesian citizens, who were previously detained by Israel, have safely returned to Indonesia on Sunday, May 24. These individuals were active participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian mission that was intercepted by Israeli forces on Monday, May 18, in international waters. Following the interception, the activists were subsequently held in Ashdod prison.
Upon receiving confirmation of their detention in Ashdod prison, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry (Kemlu) immediately initiated comprehensive efforts to secure their release. This critical operation involved close collaboration with both the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) organization and the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), leveraging their networks for effective advocacy and coordination.
“The successful evacuation and liberation of our citizens is a direct result of the tireless hard work and intensive, multi-layered coordination undertaken by the Indonesian Government,” stated Foreign Minister Sugiono. He made these remarks while personally welcoming the returning Indonesian citizens at Soekarno Hatta Airport. The Minister further highlighted that the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, through its Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens, rigorously optimized diplomatic channels by mobilizing five strategic Indonesian missions abroad: the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Amman, and Rome, along with the Indonesian Consulates General in Istanbul and Cairo.
In addition, Minister Sugiono extended profound gratitude to the Turkish government for its substantial involvement in the repatriation process of the nine citizens. Before their final journey back to Indonesia, the citizens were first flown to Istanbul, Turkey, where they underwent necessary health examinations. “Our deepest appreciation goes to the Government of Turkey for its pivotal role and unwavering support in facilitating the release process of our fellow citizens,” Sugiono emphasized.
The Foreign Ministry, in its official statement, underscored that this successful operation unequivocally demonstrates Indonesia’s steadfast commitment to protecting all Indonesian citizens residing across the globe. This principle of citizen protection remains a cornerstone of the nation’s foreign policy.
Furthermore, the Indonesian government has consistently and strongly condemned Israel’s actions, which repeatedly undermine human dignity. This is not an isolated incident but rather a pattern of behavior that has drawn continuous criticism from Jakarta.
Concluding his remarks, the Foreign Minister reiterated Indonesia’s firm condemnation: “The Indonesian Government once again reaffirms its strong denunciation of the interception of ships in international waters and the inhumane treatment endured by volunteers during their detention by the Israeli military. Such arbitrary acts, which degrade the dignity of civilians engaged in a humanitarian mission, constitute a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and are utterly intolerable under any circumstances.”
Summary
Nine Indonesian citizens, who were detained by Israel after their Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission was intercepted in international waters on May 18, safely returned to Indonesia on May 24. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry immediately launched comprehensive efforts to secure their release, collaborating closely with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI).
Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that their release was a direct result of the Indonesian Government’s tireless work and multi-layered coordination, involving five Indonesian missions abroad. He also extended deep gratitude to the Turkish government for its substantial involvement, facilitating health examinations in Istanbul before their repatriation. Indonesia strongly condemned Israel’s actions, reiterating that the interception of ships in international waters and inhumane treatment of humanitarian volunteers constitute blatant violations of international law.