Indonesians Held by Israeli Military Recount Physical Trauma

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Nine Indonesian citizens have recounted traumatic experiences while in Israeli military custody during the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 humanitarian mission to Gaza.

The volunteers had set sail to deliver solidarity aid for the people of Gaza. However, the mission was halted when the Israeli military intercepted their ship in the Eastern Mediterranean and forcibly brought them into Israeli territory.

Foreign Minister Sugiono personally welcomed the returning volunteers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

He expressed gratitude that all Indonesians had returned safely, despite some suffering trauma and physical injuries due to violence by Israeli forces.

“Welcome home, and welcome back to your families. According to reports, several of our colleagues have sustained physical trauma, which will be further addressed,” Minister Sugiono said.

He stressed that the government would continue to ensure protection for Indonesians engaged in international humanitarian missions, particularly those related to Gaza.

Republika journalist and Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) volunteer Bambang Noroyono, known as Abeng, said he was thankful to be reunited with his family. “Alhamdulillah, I can meet my family again. This struggle will continue, to fight for the rights of the Palestinian people, the rights of the people of Gaza,” he said.

Abeng admitted he still suffers from the physical effects of violence during detention. “There are still bruises that hurt, but they will heal gradually,” he said, adding that some volunteers sustained more serious injuries, including internal fractures.

Another Republika journalist and GPCI volunteer, Thoudy Badai, described the Israeli military’s actions as abduction outside the bounds of international law. “We were taken into Israeli territory and then held on one of their large ships for three days and two nights,” he said.

Thoudy revealed that the volunteers endured inhumane treatment, such as being bound with their hands behind their backs and forced to crouch on the floor, as shown in circulating videos.

“The Palestinian people may be experiencing the same, but in far more horrific conditions. So, keep voicing ‘Free Palestine,’” he said firmly. (Gusti Panji)