Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. A group of Indonesian citizens, including at least two national journalists and multiple humanitarian volunteers, have been detained by Israeli military forces after their aid convoy was intercepted in international waters. 

They were part of the "Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 Spring Mission," a multi-nation humanitarian fleet carrying logistics and aid destined for the blockaded Gaza Strip.

According to Republika Editor-in-Chief Andi Muhyiddin, nine Indonesian volunteers, including Republika journalists Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, were aboard the vessel "Boralize" when Israeli forces intercepted it on Monday morning (18/5/2026), approximately 200 nautical miles from Gaza near Cypriot waters. 

In a video message circulated on social media, Noroyono displayed his Indonesian passport and confirmed his detention, appealing directly to the Indonesian government for assistance.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that at least ten ships within the international flotilla, including vessels named Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys, were halted during the operation. Another Indonesian delegate, Andi Angga Prasadewa representing the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) and Rumah Zakat, was confirmed to be aboard the Josef.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said that the government is coordinating with Indonesian embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to track the fluid situation, ensure the safety of all Indonesian nationals, and establish repatriation protocols. 

"The Indonesian government prioritizes the protection of its citizens and demands that Israeli authorities immediately release all detained international humanitarian mission ships, crews, and passengers," she declared, emphasizing that the obstruction violates international humanitarian law and global civil liberties.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)