Minister of Communication Meutya Condemns the Kidnapping of Journalists by the Israeli Army in the Gaza Mission

Minister of Communication and Information Meutya Hafid (photo: VOI doc)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, strongly condemned the Israeli military's interception and detention of the international humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 in the Eastern Mediterranean waters en route to Gaza.

In the entourage there were a number of Indonesian journalists, namely Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai from Republika and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho from Tempo, who were carrying out journalistic duties covering international humanitarian missions.

"In the midst of a conflict situation, the safety of Indonesian citizens, including the press, must always be a concern for all of us," said the Minister of Communication and Information in his statement, quoted Tuesday, May 19.

Meutya emphasized that journalists are present to bring humanitarian voices and convey facts to the world public. Therefore, journalistic work needs to be respected and given a safe space, especially in humanitarian crisis situations.

He also stated that Komdigi would continue to coordinate with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) and other related parties to monitor developments and support protection measures for Indonesian citizens in the mission.

Based on information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at least 10 humanitarian mission ships have been detained, including the Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys. Until now, the ship carrying journalists has not been contacted and the status of the crew on board is not yet known for sure.

The Minister of Communication and Information stated that his party supported the diplomatic steps of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the protection and safety of all Indonesian citizens in the group.

"Kemkomdigi will continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other related parties to monitor developments and support protection measures for Indonesian citizens in the mission," added Meutya.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously stated that it had coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo, and the Indonesian Embassy in Amman to prepare protective measures and accelerate the repatriation of Indonesian citizens if necessary.

"Our prayers and hopes accompany all journalists and humanitarian volunteers so that they are always given safety," he concluded.