Mother of Activist Abducted by Israel Pleads with Prabowo for Rescue

Sutrawati Kaharuddin (52), the mother of humanitarian activist Andi Angga Parasadewa (32) from Belopa, Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, has issued an urgent plea to President Prabowo Subianto. Her son, Andi Angga, is reportedly among those abducted by Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission.

“I am appealing to the government of President Prabowo to rescue its citizen, my son Angga,” Sutrawati stated emotionally in Makassar on Tuesday, May 19.

Her son embarked on a long voyage from Indonesia, dedicated to delivering crucial humanitarian aid provided by the Rumah Zakat Humanitarian Organization. Sutrawati expressed her profound hope that President Prabowo would give serious attention to her son’s dire situation.

“I beg for his rescue because my son is not a terrorist carrying weapons,” she asserted, emphasizing Angga’s peaceful intentions.

“My son was only bringing humanitarian assistance in the form of food and medicine. Therefore, I implore President Prabowo to save my son,” she added, her voice filled with anguish.

Detained by Israeli Military

Based on gathered information, Andi Angga is an alumnus of the IMMIM Islamic Boarding School (IAPIM 2011–2016) and a dedicated volunteer for Palestine. He is reportedly affiliated with the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) as a humanitarian activist.

While transporting vital humanitarian aid alongside fellow volunteers, their group was allegedly abducted by Israeli forces. Andi Angga managed to send a distress signal (SOS) confirming his abduction in international waters, a chilling testament to the incident.

Journey by Sea from Turkey

Sutrawati revealed that Andi Angga commenced his journey to Gaza via a sea route from Marmaris Cruise Port, Turkey. He was part of a larger international humanitarian mission, comprising dozens of vessels.

“My son departed for Gaza by sea from Turkey, from Marmaris Cruise Port. The information suggests there were 56 participating ships,” Sutrawati explained.

Mid-journey, the convoy reportedly encountered interference before reaching its intended destination waters. “During the voyage, before reaching 250 nautical miles, they were reportedly captured by Israeli forces,” she recounted with palpable concern.

Sutrawati’s anxiety escalated when WhatsApp messages sent to her son went unanswered. The last known communication occurred around 3:00 PM WITA (Central Indonesian Time).

“Contact was lost at 3 PM; his WhatsApp showed a single tick. I immediately grew suspicious and worried,” she elaborated.

Prior to the communication blackout, she had urged Andi Angga to continuously pray and seek forgiveness throughout his humanitarian mission. “I told him, ‘Son, Mom is worried. Please be careful there, keep praying and seeking forgiveness,'” she recalled.

Ordinarily, Sutrawati said, her son would always reply to such messages. “But at that time, there was no reply. His WhatsApp has had a single tick since 3 PM yesterday,” she added, highlighting the unusual silence.

Last Message Before Contact Lost

Sutrawati further shared that Andi Angga had previously conveyed a message to his younger sibling, preparing them for the worst-case scenario during the mission. She understood that her son was well aware of the potential risks inherent in his perilous journey to Gaza.

“He told his sibling to convey to me not to be surprised if he became unreachable, as it would mean he had thrown his phone into the sea,” she disclosed, painting a stark picture of his resolve.

Shortly after communication ceased, videos alleging the interception of the convoy began circulating rapidly on social media. “Suddenly, that video appeared. Oh my God, my son has been abducted by Israeli forces,” she said, her voice trembling with despair.

As of now, a total of 7 Indonesian citizens are suspected to have been detained by the Israeli military. Here is the list:

1. Thoudy Badai (Republika Journalist) – Ozgurluk Ship

2. Rahendro Herubowo (previously listed as an iNews journalist, but iNews Editor-in-Chief Aiman Witjaksono stated Rahendro resigned from iNews in August 2022) – Ozgurluk Ship

3. Bambang Noroyono (Republika Journalist) – Boralize Ship

4. Andre Prasetyo Nugroho (TV Tempo Journalist) – Ozgurluk Ship

5. Andi Angga (Activist) – Josef Ship

6. Herman Budiyanto Sudarsono (Activist) – Zafiro Ship

7. Ronggo Wirasano (Activist) – Zafiro Ship