Nine Indonesian citizens who had been detained by Israeli authorities successfully returned to Indonesia on Sunday, May 24. These individuals were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian mission intercepted by Israeli forces on Monday, May 18, in international waters. Following the interception, they were subsequently held at Ashdod prison.
Upon confirming their detention in Ashdod prison, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) swiftly initiated efforts to secure their release. This diplomatic undertaking involved close cooperation with both the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI).
“The successful evacuation and release of our citizens is a testament to the diligent work and intensive, multi-layered coordination undertaken by the Indonesian Government,” stated Foreign Minister Sugiono during his reception of the Indonesian nationals at Soekarno Hatta International Airport. He further elaborated, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, through its Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Nationals, consistently optimizes diplomatic channels by mobilizing five Indonesian diplomatic missions in strategic regions: the Embassies in Ankara, Amman, Cairo, and Rome, as well as the Consulate General in Istanbul.”
Foreign Minister Sugiono also extended his profound gratitude to the Turkish government for its significant involvement in the repatriation process. Crucially, before their final journey back to Indonesia, the Indonesian nationals were first flown to Istanbul for essential health examinations, underscoring Turkey’s vital role in their safe return.
Reiterating his appreciation, Sugiono affirmed, “We extend our deepest appreciation to the Turkish Government for its pivotal role and unwavering support in facilitating the release process of our citizens.”
In a broader statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored that this successful resolution stands as clear evidence of their unwavering commitment to protecting all Indonesian nationals across the globe.
Furthermore, the Indonesian government maintained its strong condemnation of Israel’s actions, which consistently degrade human dignity. This pattern of behavior, they highlighted, is not an isolated incident but a recurring concern.
Concluding with a firm declaration, the Foreign Minister stated, “The Indonesian Government once again reaffirms its strong condemnation of the interception of the vessel in international waters and the inhumane treatment endured by the volunteers during their detention by the Israeli military. Such arbitrary acts, which demean the dignity of civilians undertaking a humanitarian mission, constitute a clear and undeniable violation of both international law and international humanitarian law, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Summary
Nine Indonesian citizens, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission, successfully returned to Indonesia on May 24 after being detained by Israeli authorities. Their vessel was intercepted in international waters on May 18, leading to their detention at Ashdod prison. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) swiftly launched intensive diplomatic efforts and multi-layered coordination to secure their release, working with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI).
Foreign Minister Sugiono highlighted the mobilization of five Indonesian diplomatic missions and profoundly thanked the Turkish government for its pivotal role, including facilitating health examinations in Istanbul before their final return. This successful repatriation underscores MoFA’s commitment to protecting all Indonesian nationals. The Indonesian government strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the vessel in international waters and the inhumane treatment of volunteers, citing it as a clear violation of international law and humanitarian law.