Nine Indonesian Nationals Arrested by Israel Released, Foreign Minister Sugiono Assures Escort for Return to the Country

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono. (Laily Rachev/Presidential Secretariat Press Office)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono announced the release of nine Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla and were detained by Israel, appreciating the support provided by Turkey.

In his statement, the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs said, "The Indonesian government is grateful to convey that nine Indonesian citizens who were arrested by the Israeli military in the interception of the ship and the arrest of volunteers who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 are currently on their way out of Israel to Istanbul, Turkey, and will soon continue their journey back to their homeland."

"The Indonesian government expresses its utmost appreciation to the Turkish government for its active role and full support in facilitating this repatriation process," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in his statement, Thursday (21/5) evening.

"This positive development is the fruit of hard work and close coordination carried out by the Indonesian Government intensively since receiving the report of the interception of the GSF 2.0 fleet. and the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens has optimized all available diplomatic channels, including through the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo, the Indonesian Embassy in Rome, the Indonesian Embassy in Amman, and the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul, as well as maintaining active communication with the relevant international authorities and partners to ensure the safety and acceleration of the release of all Indonesian citizens," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

As previously reported, Israeli naval commandos intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian convoy that left Turkey last week, with the aim of the Gaza Strip, Palestine, to break through the Israeli naval blockade to provide humanitarian aid.

The interception in Cypriot waters was followed by the arrest of 430 humanitarian activists in the fleet, who were then taken to Israel, as reported by Al Arabiya from AFP.

Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, said in a statement on Wednesday that, according to information from the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), nine Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were part of the mission, were among the activists arrested by Israel.

GPCI itself in its official statement last week said that the nine Indonesian citizens who were part of this humanitarian mission were, Ust. Herman Budianto Sudarsono and Ronggo Wirasanu on the Zapyro ship, Andi Angga Prasadewa on the Josef ship, As'ad Aras Muhammad on the Kasr-1 ship, Hendro Prasetyo on the Kasr-1 ship, Bambang Noroyono on the BoraLize ship, Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah on the Ozgurluk ship, Andre Prasetyo Nugroho on the RIM ship, and Rahendro Herubowo on the Ozgurluk ship.

The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously also condemned Israel's inhumane actions against Global Sumud Flotilla activists who were detained and subjected to arbitrary treatment.

"The Indonesian government once again reiterates its condemnation of the inhumane treatment received by volunteers during their detention. Actions that degrade the dignity of civilians in a humanitarian mission are serious violations of international humanitarian law that cannot be tolerated," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

"The Indonesian government will continue to monitor this repatriation process until all Indonesian citizens return safely to their homeland," he concluded.

Before this week's interception, Israeli forces intercepted a second flotilla in international waters off the coast of Greece on April 30 and sent most of the 175 activists to Europe, but arrested two of them, who were held for 10 days before being deported.

Last year, Israeli authorities blocked a similar attempt involving about 50 ships and about 500 activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela, and several European parliamentarians.

Foreign Minister Sugiono also expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, Commission I of the DPR RI, and all parties who have supported and prayed for the efforts made "so that our brothers and sisters can leave the territory of Israel and we hope that they will soon return to Indonesia in a safe, healthy and no less whatever."