RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Nine Indonesian humanitarian volunteers who were recently detained by the Israeli military have arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, where they must undergo intensive medical examinations and comprehensive legal screenings before they can be cleared to return to their homeland.

The rigorous protocols are being enforced to address the physical trauma endured by the citizens and to gather immutable forensic evidence of human rights violations.

The volunteers, who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission, were safely received by Indonesian diplomatic officials in Istanbul on Thursday, May 21, 2026. However, their journey home has been protracted due to strict procedures at the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute.

Initial testimonies from the survivors revealed that they were subjected to inhumane and brutal treatment by Israeli occupation soldiers and prison guards during their three to four days in captivity. Reports from the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Istanbul confirmed that the volunteers suffered severe physical violence, including being kicked, beaten, and electrocuted.

To ensure accountability for the abuses, the Indonesian government is working closely with Turkish authorities to fully document the injuries sustained by the humanitarian workers. The legal and medical processes in Istanbul are being treated as a matter of international compliance.

To facilitate a comprehensive post-mortem (visum), the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute is conducting detailed physical examinations to officially log the marks of physical violence, such as the electrocution and beatings. Furthermore, regarding official testimony collection, Turkish forensic authorities are recording formal, legally binding testimonies from each of the nine survivors regarding the conditions of their detention.

In terms of prosecutorial oversight, the Istanbul Prosecutor's Office is directly overseeing the investigation to compile an international investigative dossier regarding the Israeli interception of the humanitarian vessel. Finally, through holistic health prioritization, compiling detailed medical records has been prioritized by diplomatic staff to facilitate both the immediate physical recovery and the long-term psychological rehabilitation of the volunteers.

Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey, Achmad Rizal Purnama, guaranteed that the state will ensure all rights of the victims are fully met before they board their flights back to Indonesia.

"There will be a testimonial process. A visa and medical examination will be conducted by the Turkish authorities. We will return them to Indonesia as soon as possible. Once the process in Turkey is complete," Ambassador Rizal said in a written message received on Friday, May 22, 2026.

He further verified that diplomatic coordination has remained seamless, ensuring a constant state presence to protect the volunteers from the moment they landed at the Istanbul airport.

Despite the physical trauma inflicted upon them, Head of the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul, Darianto Harsono, reported that the nine citizens are currently in stable and healthy condition. Darianto appeared alongside the freed volunteers in a video update shared on social media by Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono.

"Thank God, today, together with nine of our brothers and sisters who joined the GSF (Global Sumud Flotilla) mission, they are with us in good health," Darianto stated on Friday, while acknowledging the severe duress they had recently escaped.

"Although they endured physical violence for three or four days. Some were kicked, beaten, and even electrocuted," he added.

With the evaluation processes in Turkey concluding, the nine humanitarian workers are officially scheduled to land in Indonesia on the afternoon of Sunday, May 24, 2026. Due to the high-profile nature of the international incident, the state has arranged a formal ministerial-level reception.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang confirmed that the delegation is expected to touch down at approximately 15.30 local time at the Umrah Lounge in Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Foreign Minister Sugiono is scheduled to personally greet and receive the nine returning volunteers upon their arrival. (Naura Sofia/Bambang MBKA)