9 Global Sumud Flotilla Volunteers Arrive in the Country, Foreign Minister Sugiono: Hard Work and Coordination

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono welcomed the arrival of Indonesian volunteers of the Global Sumud Flotilla. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RI)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Sugiono emphasized that the success of the evacuation and repatriation of nine Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla to the country was the fruit of hard work and coordination, affirming the commitment and presence of the state in providing protection.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with gratitude conveyed nine Indonesian citizens who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission through the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) organization had safely arrived back in the country on Sunday (24/5) at around 15.30 WIB.

Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla fleet around the waters of Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean, on May 18, 2026, while they were sailing to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

A total of 430 volunteers from various countries were detained following the interception, including nine Indonesian citizens who were then taken to Ashdod City, Israel. The volunteers were then released on Thursday and flown to Istanbul, Turkey, before returning to their respective countries.

"After a series of diplomatic and consular steps taken intensively by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in cooperation with various parties including GSF and GPCI, the nine Indonesian citizens were successfully released on May 21, 2026," the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, Sunday (24/5)

Furthermore, the Indonesian citizens were flown to Istanbul, Turkey and underwent a health examination before finally departing back to their homeland.

Upon arrival in Indonesia, Foreign Minister Sugiono welcomed the Indonesian citizens, "We welcome you back to the country and welcome you to reunite with your families," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in his remarks.

Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that the success of this release and repatriation was the result of hard work and intensive coordination carried out by the Indonesian Government in layers.

"The success of this evacuation and release is the result of hard work and intensive coordination carried out by the Indonesian Government in layers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens continues to optimize the diplomatic channel by mobilizing five representatives of the Republic of Indonesia in strategic areas, namely the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the Indonesian Consulate in Istanbul, the Indonesian Embassy in Amman, the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo, and the Indonesian Embassy in Rome," explained the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister Sugiono also expressed his utmost appreciation to the Turkish Government for its role and support in facilitating the process of freeing Indonesian citizens.

This success once again confirms the commitment and presence of the state in providing real protection for every citizen who is carrying out humanitarian missions abroad, as well as providing certainty and moral support for families waiting at home.

The Indonesian government once again reiterated its strong condemnation of the interception of the ship in international waters as well as the inhumane treatment received by the volunteers during their detention by the Israeli military.

"Arbitrary actions that degrade the dignity of civilians in a humanitarian mission are a clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law that cannot be tolerated under any circumstances."