RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The detention of Indonesian citizens by Israeli forces has prompted urgent calls from Jakarta’s political leadership for government intervention.

Indonesia’s legislature has urged swift government action following reports that several Indonesian citizens were abducted by Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission to Gaza.

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Hidayat Nur Wahid called on authorities to ensure the safe return of the activists and journalists, stressing that protecting citizens abroad is a constitutional duty tied to Indonesia’s sovereignty.

Speaking at the parliament complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, he voiced deep concern over what he described as Israel’s continuing crimes against humanity.

“These efforts must be seen as part of defending international law, human rights, and the struggle for freedom, while ending terror and isolation in Gaza,” Hidayat said.

He praised the courage of Indonesian activists, volunteers, and journalists who joined the humanitarian flotilla despite the risks, and condemned Israel’s actions as blatant violations carried out in international waters.

Director of the Global Peace Convoi Indonesia (GPCI) and Chair of Dompet Dhuafa Foundation, Ahmad Juwaini, confirmed that nine Indonesians were among those detained -- five humanitarian activists and four journalists.

They had joined international participants sailing from Turkey as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces on Monday, May 18, at around 3 p.m. Jakarta time.

The incident underscores growing calls for accountability and stronger international measures against Israel, which critics say continues to act with impunity due to the absence of firm sanctions. ***