RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) strongly condemned Israel’s actions in arresting hundreds of people after intercepting a humanitarian aid under the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 that was traveling through international waters toward the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Two Indonesian journalists, Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai of the online newspaper Republika, are also detained.

"I support the Indonesian government in more assertive action in urging the UN Security Council and the U.S. to lobby Israel to release the Republika activists and journalists," Deputy Chairperson of the House's Commission I, Sukamta, said in a statement on Monday, May 18, 2026.

According to him, Israel should respect those efforts by refraining from actions that are counterproductive to achieving peace in the region. This should be done amid efforts by various parties to reduce tensions in the Middle East.

"Israel does have a poor track record of compliance with international agreements and law. However, with the Board of Peace (BoP) initiated by (U.S.) President Trump, Israel's stance should at least align with the BoP's efforts to achieve peace in Palestine," Sukamta said.

Sukamta said the United Nations Charter protects journalism and humanitarian missions, even in war. The Special Region of Yogyakarta-based lawmaker added that existing international legal instruments should already be sufficient to pressure Israel to release them and to lift the blockade on humanitarian aid.

Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned Israel’s military action in intercepting the vessels, which occurred near Cypriot waters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Editor-in-Chief of Republika, Andi Muhyiddin, said they urged Israel to free them all.

"We stand in solidarity with humanitarian volunteers worldwide and reject any attempt to criminalize humanitarian missions in international waters," Andi Muhyiddin said in a statement.