RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Nine Indonesian citizens detained by Israeli forces have arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday, May 21, 2026. They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 humanitarian mission aimed at assisting the people of Gaza, Palestine.

The Indonesian government continues to coordinate intensively with various parties to ensure all Indonesian citizens can return home safely. “This is to ensure the smooth return of all Indonesian citizens to the homeland,” Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono said.

In a statement delivered Thursday night in Jakarta, Minister Sugiono said Indonesia strongly condemns the Israeli military. The Zionist forces allegedly carried out acts of torture and inhumane treatment against the Indonesians during their detention.

Indonesia considers such actions unjustifiable and contrary to universal humanitarian values. “Israel’s military actions against humanitarian volunteers constitute a serious violation of international law,” the minister said.

Any form of inhumane treatment against Global Sumud Flotilla volunteers by the Israeli military is considered a violation of international law. “This goes against humanitarian principles,” he added.

Indonesia also called for respect for civil rights and the safety of volunteers carrying out peaceful missions in conflict areas. “The government will continue to assist and protect all Indonesian citizens until the repatriation process is completed,” he explained.

The nine Indonesian volunteers of the Global Sumud Flotilla are expected to return home soon after administrative procedures are completed. Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Heni Hamidah, confirmed this in a text message to reporters Thursday night.

“Thank God, all nine Indonesians have landed in Istanbul. Their return schedule to Indonesia is still awaiting further processing in Istanbul,” Heni explained.

Indonesian Consul General in Istanbul, Darianto, has met with all nine Indonesians. The consulate is working to facilitate their immediate return.

According to Darianto, in a video released on social media, the Indonesians experienced violence by Israeli soldiers. “They were kicked, beaten, and electroshocked,” Darianto said, a claim confirmed by the activists.

“They have landed safely in Istanbul, and the Indonesian Consul General has met them. The foreign minister has also spoken directly with the nine Indonesians,” Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey Achmad Rizal Purnama said in a written statement.

Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is a coalition of global civil society groups supported by 15,000 people from 44 countries. The movement was initiated by Brazilian humanitarian activist Thiago Avila, who was previously detained by the Israeli military in 2025.

The goal of GSF is to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Palestinian territories. The coalition currently operates more than 50 vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and continues efforts to reach Gaza.

The nine Indonesians participating in the mission are humanitarian activists and journalists who had entered Gaza. They were previously detained by Israeli forces and have now been released and are currently in Istanbul:

• Herman Budianto Sudarsono (Dompet Dhuafa)
• Ronggo Wirasanu (Dompet Dhuafa)
• Andi Angga Prasadewa (Rumah Zakat)
• Asad Aras Muhammad (Activist)
• Hendro Prasetyo (Activist)
• Bambang Noroyono (Republika Journalist)
• Thoudy Badai (Republika Journalist)
• Andre Prasetyo Nugroho (Tempo Journalist)
• Rahendro Herubowo (iNews Journalist)

(Diffa Sephiawardhani)