Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono on Thursday evening confirmed that all of nine Indonesian nationals, who joined Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 and were intercepted and detained by Israeli naval force, have been released and on their way to Turkiye before heading back home.
The nine Indonesians, including three journalists, were among 430 activists from the flotilla with about 54 vessels, intercepted and taken to the shore on May 18 and 19 by Israeli authorities.
"The government of Indonesia gratefully conveys that nine Indonesian citizens, who were arrested by the Israeli military in the interception of the ships and the arrest of volunteers who were part of Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0, are now on their way from Israel territory to Istanbul, Turkiye, and will soon continue their journey back to the homeland," Minister Sugiono said in a video statement.
FM Sugiono also conveyed Indonesian government's appreciation to the Turkish government that has been fully support in facilitation the return process.
Further he said, the positive outcome is the result of hard works and tight coordinations between the government of Indonesia, particularly the Directorate of Indonesia Citizens Protection at the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and the country's representatives in Turkiye both in Ankara and Istanbul, Italy, and Jordan as well as international partners.
Separately, Israeli Foreign Ministry on Thursday, 21 May 2026 confirmed that its country has released all of activists from Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0. and deported them.
"All foreign activists from the PR flotilla have been deported from Israel. Israel will not permit any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza," the ministry said.
Israeli government views Global Sumud Flotilla actions as part of public relations (PR) activities.***
