Teknowarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation following the Israeli military’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0, an international humanitarian mission. The incident took place in the waters off the coast of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean, sparking significant diplomatic concern.
According to Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela, Israeli forces have confirmed the interception and detention of at least 10 vessels, including the Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys. Data from the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) indicates that an Indonesian citizen, identified as Andi Angga Prasadewa, a delegate from GPCI-Rumah Zakat, was aboard the vessel Josef.
The Ministry is also working urgently to verify the status and safety of Bambang Noroyono, an Indonesian journalist from the media outlet Republika, who was reportedly aboard another intercepted ship. “The situation on the ground remains highly dynamic, and we are anticipating further developments as we seek information and access to these individuals,” Nabyl stated during a press briefing on Monday (May 18).
In response to the standoff, the Indonesian government has demanded the immediate release of all humanitarian vessels and their crews. Furthermore, the Ministry has called on Israeli authorities to uphold international humanitarian law and guarantee the safe passage of aid to the Palestinian people.
“From the outset, our Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens has been in close coordination with our embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to prepare anticipatory measures, ensure the safety of our nationals, and expedite their return,” Nabyl explained. He added that the government is maintaining continuous communication with relevant parties to monitor the situation, confirming that contingency plans and protection protocols are ready to be deployed.
“Protecting Indonesian citizens remains our top priority amidst these rapidly evolving events,” he emphasized.
Earlier, it was reported that Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono, known as Abeng, joined the 2026 Global Sumud Flotilla mission. In a video message uploaded to the official Republika Online Instagram account on Monday evening, Abeng claimed that he and others had been detained by Israeli forces.
“I am Bambang Noroyono, also known as Abeng, an Indonesian citizen and a participant in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 humanitarian mission,” he said. In the footage, the veteran legal reporter appealed to the Indonesian government to secure his release and urged the public to continue supporting the cause of Palestinian independence.
“If you find this video, please inform the Indonesian government that I am currently being held by Israeli forces. I implore the government to secure our release and to persist in their support for Palestinian freedom,” Abeng stated.
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The humanitarian mission also included another Republika journalist, Thoudy Badai. At the time of this report, there is no verified information regarding his current status or the condition of his vessel.
Summary
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation following the Israeli military’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0, an international humanitarian mission, off the coast of Cyprus. Israeli forces confirmed the detention of at least 10 vessels. Indonesia has demanded the immediate release of all humanitarian vessels and their crews, calling on Israeli authorities to uphold international humanitarian law and guarantee the safe passage of aid to the Palestinian people.
Among those confirmed detained were Indonesian delegate Andi Angga Prasadewa and Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono, who appealed for his release in a video message. The Indonesian government is urgently verifying the status of its citizens and coordinating with embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to ensure their safety and expedited return. Protecting Indonesian citizens remains the top priority amidst these rapidly evolving events.