RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned Israel’s military action in intercepting several vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission near Cypriot waters in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The incident has sparked international concern as it involved humanitarian volunteers and civilians from multiple countries, including Indonesian nationals. The ministry's spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang confirmed that at least ten vessels had been seized, among them the Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys.

She noted that the situation remains highly fluid, with the government closely monitoring developments. One Indonesian national, Andi Angga Prasadewa of Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI-Rumah Zakat), was confirmed to be aboard the Josef.

Efforts are also underway to obtain information on the vessel carrying Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono. Communication with the ship is still being attempted to ensure the safety of its crew and passengers.

“The vessel carrying journalist Bambang Noroyono is still being contacted to verify its status and the condition of all those on board,” Yvonne said Monday evening, May 18, 2026.

Indonesia has urged Israel to immediately release all detained vessels and humanitarian mission participants, stressing that aid for the Palestinian people must be delivered in line with international humanitarian law.

Since the outset, the ministry's Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens has coordinated with the Indonesian embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to prepare precautionary measures for nationals involved in the mission.

Contingency plans are also being readied to safeguard Indonesian volunteers, including possible repatriation if required.

Meanwhile, Republika Editor-in-Chief Andi Muhyiddin confirmed that nine Indonesian volunteers were part of the flotilla, including two of the newspaper’s journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, who were carrying out both journalistic and humanitarian duties.

“Their safety is our utmost concern. We stand in solidarity with humanitarian volunteers worldwide and reject any attempt to criminalize humanitarian missions in international waters,” Andi Muhyiddin said in a written statement. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)