May 19, 2026 | 01:23 pm
Kapal rombongan Global Sumud Flotilla yang akan mengirimkan bantuan untuk menembus blokade Gaza di Laut Mediterania, Mei 2026. Kapal-kapal tersebut membawa berbagai pesan kemanusiaan yang tertulis pada badan kapal. Tempo/Andre Nugroho
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry said it is continuing efforts to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to Gaza after several vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces.“The Foreign Ministry, through the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens, has coordinated with the Indonesian embassies in Ankara, Cairo, and Amman to prepare anticipatory measures to ensure their safety and accelerate the repatriation process,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said in an official statement on Monday.Yvonne said at least 10 vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces in waters near Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Monday morning local time. The ships included Amanda, Barbaros, Josef, and Blue Toys.“According to available information, one Indonesian citizen, Andi Angga Prasadewa, a delegate from Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI)-Rumah Zakat, was aboard the Josef vessel,” she said.Meanwhile, based on information from GPCI, communication efforts are still ongoing with the vessel carrying Republika journalist Bambang Noroyono to confirm the status of the ship and its passengers.Yvonne said the situation on the ground remains highly dynamic and further developments are still possible.The Foreign Ministry is continuing to communicate with various related parties to obtain the latest information regarding the condition of Indonesian citizens detained by Israeli forces.She added that the ministry is also preparing contingency measures, including protection facilities and accelerated repatriation procedures if necessary.“The protection of Indonesian citizens will remain the Indonesian government’s priority amid this rapidly evolving situation,” Yvonne said.Indonesia also called on Israeli authorities to guarantee the continuation of humanitarian aid deliveries, which it said are the rights of the Palestinian people under international humanitarian law.“The Foreign Ministry urges Israel to immediately release all vessels and crew members of the international humanitarian mission being detained,” Yvonne said.Separately, Republika Editor-in-Chief Andi Muhyiddin said a group of nine Indonesians, including Republika journalists Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, were affected by the Israeli interception.According to information published by Republika, the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla took place in waters near Cyprus, around 200 nautical miles from Gaza. Bambang was reportedly aboard the vessel Boralize.Read: Last Contact With Tempo Journalist Before Israel Intercepted GSFClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
