Member of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Taufiq R. Abdullah, strongly condemned the actions of the Israeli military (IDF) which arrested four Indonesian journalists, namely Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono alias Abeng and Thoudy Badai, Tempo journalist Andre Prasetyo Nugroho, and Inews journalist Rahendro Heru Bowo in a humanitarian mission to Gaza, Palestine. He asked the Indonesian government to work for their release.
The four journalists are part of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) sailing to Gaza with participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2026 mission. In addition to the four journalists, there are other Indonesian citizens (WNI) who participate in the humanitarian mission.
"Of course everyone will strongly condemn Israel's actions in kidnapping journalists and Indonesian citizens who are carrying out humanitarian missions. Israel always makes problems and violates international law. There are no rules of law for Israel, because all rules are violated," Taufiq told reporters, Tuesday, May 19.
Taufiq emphasized that Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai were carrying out a noble duty as journalists who guarded the humanitarian mission for the people of Gaza. According to him, the courage of the two should be appreciated because they carried out their duties in a situation full of risks.
"They are the best sons of the nation who bravely carried out a very dangerous mission for humanity and voiced the suffering of the Palestinian people," he said.
Taufiq also urged the Indonesian government to make every diplomatic effort to free the two Republika journalists and seven Indonesian citizens who are currently in Israeli custody.
"The government must make every effort to free the two journalists and Indonesian citizens from Israel's hands. One of them is by asking the United Nations to urge Israel to immediately release them," he said.
Although the arrest of humanitarian activists who brought aid to Gaza has been repeatedly carried out by Israel, Taufiq emphasized his support for humanitarian missions for the Palestinian people.
However, he reminded that every humanitarian mission must be carried out with great caution and through careful coordination with various international parties for the safety of all participants.
"The spirit of humanity to help the people of Gaza should not be extinguished. But the implementation must be done carefully and with good coordination," said Taufiq.
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