Jakarta - Israeli naval forces intercepted and detained all nine Indonesian nationals aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 on Monday, May 18 2026, including three journalists from two of Indonesia's major media outlets, Indonesian government confirmed on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
The Global Summed Flotilla's 54-vessels convoy was forcibly stopped in international waters near Cyprus, carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip as well as volunteers.
According to Indonesia's Foreign Minitstry, three detained journalists are Bambang Noroyono and photographer Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah of Republika, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of Tempo TV.
They were among nine Indonesians —part of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia— who had departed from Marmaris, Turkiye on May 14, sailing as part of a broader 54-vessel flotilla with participants from approximately 40 countries.
Those ships were intercepted roughly 310 nautical miles from Gaza coasts, according to Indonesia's Press Council.
Organizer of Global Sumud Flotilla said 428 activists were kidnapped by Israeli authorities, while Israel's Foreign Ministry said total 430 activists.
"All 430 activists have been transferred to Israeli vessels and are making their way to Israel, where they will be able to meet with their consular representatives," the ministry said on Wednesday.
Israel's Stance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the flotilla as "a malicious scheme designed to break the blockade we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza".
