9 Indonesian Volunteers of Global Sumud Flotilla Arrive in Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — The Indonesian government has repatriated nine Indonesian citizens (WNI) who took part in the humanitarian mission of Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0. They were previously detained by the Israeli military after their vessel was intercepted in the Eastern Mediterranean waters.

The Indonesian's Foreign Affairs Minister, Sugiono, personally welcomed the volunteers upon their arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, on Sunday afternoon, May 24, 2026.

“We welcome you back home and wish you a joyful reunion with your families,” the Ministe said.

Moreover, Sugiono, stated that the successful release and repatriation of the Indonesian citizens was the result of intensive coordination by the Indonesian government through various diplomatic channels. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens, had optimized coordination with five Indonesian missions in strategic areas, namely the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul, the Indonesian Embassy in Amman, the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo, and the Indonesian Embassy in Rome.

In addition, he expressed appreciation to the Turkish government for its support and facilitation during the release process of the Indonesian citizens. The Indonesian government also reiterated its condemnation of the interception of the vessel in international waters and the treatment experienced by the volunteers during their detention.

The Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers the actions to be violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

Previously, it was reported that the vessel carrying the volunteers, who were affiliated with the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), was intercepted by the Israeli military near the waters of Cyprus on May 18, 2026. The volunteers were subsequently detained in the city of Ashdod, Israel.

Following a series of diplomatic and consular efforts carried out by the Indonesian government together with various parties, including GSF and GPCI, the nine Indonesian citizens were successfully released on May 21, 2026. Before returning to Indonesia, the volunteers underwent medical examinations in Istanbul, Türkiye.