At least nine Indonesian nationals were reportedly among the passengers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian aid mission, which faced interception by the Israeli military in international waters near Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean on Monday, May 18, 2026. Several of these Indonesian citizens are professional journalists.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has vehemently condemned this action, demanding the immediate release of all detained crew members and vessels held around Cypriot waters. This firm stance underscores Indonesia’s commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding international law.
The media outlet Republika confirmed the presence of two of its journalists on the mission, labeling the interception a “serious violation of international law.” Similarly, Tempo also verified that one of its journalists was among the nine Indonesian nationals affected by the Israeli interception, highlighting the critical nature of the situation for press freedom.
As of now, a minimum of 10 ships have been seized, including the vessel ‘Josef’ which carried the Indonesian delegation. The Indonesian government is actively coordinating with its embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to prepare protective measures and expedite the repatriation of the volunteers. This comprehensive effort aims to ensure the safety and swift return of all involved.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that at least 10 humanitarian mission vessels have been detained, specifically naming ‘Amanda,’ ‘Barbaros,’ ‘Josef,’ and ‘Blue Toys.’ On board the ‘Josef’ was Andi Angga Prasadewa, an Indonesian national representing the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI)–Rumah Zakat. Worryingly, another ship carrying Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono remains uncontactable, with his status currently unknown.
“The vessel carrying journalist Bambang Noroyono is still uncontactable, and its status remains unknown at this time,” stated Yvonne Mewengkang, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She further elaborated that the situation on the ground remains dynamic and continues to evolve, reiterating the government’s urgent demand for the immediate release of all ships and their crews. “We urge the Israeli government to promptly release all vessels and crew members of the international humanitarian mission who have been detained,” Yvonne emphasized. The Ministry added that it is working closely with its embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to implement anticipatory measures, including protection and potential repatriation plans for the Indonesian citizens.
A representative from Republika confirmed that among the nine Indonesian nationals aboard the GSF flotilla, two were their journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai. Andi Muhyiddin, Editor-in-Chief of Republika, underscored that their safety is a paramount concern. “The delegation includes nine volunteers from Indonesia, among them two Republika journalists who were performing their journalistic and humanitarian duties. Their safety is a serious concern for us,” he stated. Republika also strongly condemned the interception, asserting that “this act constitutes a grave violation of international law, universal humanitarian principles, and the civil liberties of global citizens bringing aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.” According to their statement, the volunteers were unarmed, carrying only humanitarian aid such as medicine and logistics for the residents of Gaza.
Adding a poignant human dimension, one Indonesian participant, Bambang Daryono (also known as Abeng), managed to send a video message before communication was lost. “I am Bambang Daryono, also known as Abeng. I am an Indonesian citizen. I am a participant in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 humanitarian mission voyage,” he declared in the video recording. He then made an urgent plea to the Indonesian government for his release, stating, “I ask the government of the Republic of Indonesia to free me from this abduction by the Zionist Israeli occupation forces and to always support Palestine’s independence.”
Concurrently, Tempo confirmed that its journalist, Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of Tempo TV, was also among the nine Indonesian citizens impacted by the Israeli interception. After a period of being uncontactable, Andre successfully transmitted a 53-second emergency or SOS video message to the GPCI team. This video was part of a pre-arranged protocol for Global Sumud Flotilla participants, who were instructed to record such messages for public release if Israeli forces captured them or severed their communications during the mission. “If you are watching this video, it means I have been arrested by the Zionist Israeli regime,” Andre stated in the video, as quoted by Tempo on Monday evening, May 18.
In its official statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) described how its fleet of civilian ships, en route to open a humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, was surrounded by Israeli warships in international waters, approximately 250 nautical miles from the territory. The GSF characterized this incident as a continuation of previous patterns of interception against civilian vessels on similar missions, including an event just weeks prior. “This military encirclement marks the resumption of illegal aggression on the high seas,” their statement, dated May 18, 2026, declared. The GSF unequivocally asserted that all participants in the fleet were unarmed civilians—including medical personnel, journalists, and volunteers—and maintained that the interception in international waters violates maritime law and the principle of freedom of navigation.
Precisely after 10:30 AM Cyprus time (07:30 GMT) on Monday, May 18, live video footage on the GSF website showed commando forces aboard an assault boat approaching a sailboat, then boarding it as passengers raised their hands. “Military vessels are currently intercepting our fleet, and [Israeli] forces are boarding our first ship in broad daylight,” GSF organizers announced in a statement. “We demand a safe passage for our legitimate and non-violent humanitarian mission,” they added. “Governments must act now to stop these illegal acts or piracy intended to perpetuate Israel’s genocidal siege of Gaza.” By Monday afternoon, May 18, organizers reported that Israeli forces had intercepted a total of 16 ships within the flotilla.
Conversely, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously vowed not to permit any breaches of its Gaza blockade, which it maintains is legally justified, and urged the flotilla to turn back. “Once again, provocation after provocation: another so-called ‘humanitarian aid flotilla’ with no humanitarian aid,” read a post on X, reflecting Israel’s firm stance against the mission.
The GSF stated that activists on board were carrying food, baby formula, and medical aid for Palestinians in Gaza, where living conditions are dire and the majority of its 2.1 million inhabitants are displaced, despite a ceasefire agreed upon by Israel and Hamas last October. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, countered by describing Gaza as an area “flooded with aid,” claiming that over 1.5 million tons of aid and thousands of tons of medical supplies had entered the territory over the past seven months.
The United Nations reported last week that many displaced families in Gaza are still compelled to shelter in overcrowded tents or severely damaged structures due to a lack of safer alternatives. Access to basic services remains severely limited, with inconsistent availability of clean water and a disrupted waste management system unable to adequately address public health issues, including those related to pests and rodents. Furthermore, the UN highlighted that humanitarian operations continue to be hampered by restrictions on importing vital spare parts, backup generators, and other equipment, as well as critical shortages of essential supplies, including fuel and engine oil.
This article will be updated periodically.
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Summary
The Israeli military intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 in international waters near Cyprus on May 18, 2026, detaining at least nine Indonesian citizens, including several journalists. The humanitarian mission, which carried medical supplies and essential aid for Gaza, saw over a dozen vessels seized by Israeli forces. Several participants, including journalists from Republika and Tempo, were able to send emergency messages before communication was lost, describing the interception as an illegal act of aggression.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the military action and is coordinating with embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to secure the release and repatriation of the detained volunteers. While Israel maintains that the blockade is necessary and disputes the humanitarian nature of the mission, the Indonesian government continues to demand the immediate release of all crew members and vessels. The status of some participants remains unconfirmed as the government works to ensure their safety.