Indonesian Citizen Kidnapped by Israeli Soldiers, the Indonesian Government is Ready to Take Legal Action

Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Menko Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Menko Kumham Imipas) Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that the Indonesian government is ready to take legal steps regarding the alleged abduction of nine Indonesian citizens (WNI) by the Israeli army.

The nine Indonesian citizens consisted of two Republika journalists and seven humanitarian volunteers who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 fleet heading to the Gaza Strip. The incident is said to have occurred around the waters of Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean, when the international humanitarian mission fleet was sailing carrying aid for the Palestinians.

"It must be clarified immediately and we will immediately take firm legal steps because in this democratic country there is a guarantee of a free life and the people should not be oppressed, feel oppressed and have no freedom," Yusril said in his statement, Monday, May 18.

Yusril admitted that until now he had not received complete information regarding the incident. Regarding this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate further to ensure the condition of the Indonesian citizens.

"So far I haven't gotten complete information. Later I will find out as much information as possible and then I can explain this issue about what happened," he said.

Previously, based on information from the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) ship fleet carrying a humanitarian mission to Gaza was reportedly intercepted by the Israeli army on Monday (18/5/2026). Two Indonesian journalists who were in the fleet, namely Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai. The two are said to be carrying out journalistic duties as well as humanitarian missions.

In addition, seven other Indonesian volunteers who were reported to have been detained were Herman Budianto Sudarsono, Ronggo Wirasanu, Andi Angga Prasadewa, Aras Asad Muhammad, Hendro Prasetyo, Andre Prasetyo Nugroho, and Rahendro Herubowo.

The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously also condemned Israel's interception of humanitarian missions and emphasized the protection of Indonesian citizens as a top priority amid the ongoing situation in the Eastern Mediterranean region.