Indonesian Deputy Speaker Condemns Israel Over Detention of Indonesian Journalists on Gaza Aid Mission

 

JAKARTA  KONTAK BANTEN – Deputy Speaker of Indonesia’s People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia, Hidayat Nur Wahid, has strongly condemned Israel following the reported detention of two Indonesian journalists aboard the humanitarian vessel Global Sumud Flotila bound for Gaza.

The two journalists, identified as Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai, were participating in a humanitarian mission alongside international activists seeking to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

In a press statement released in Jakarta on Monday (May 18), Hidayat, widely known as HNW, described Israel’s actions as a violation of international law, humanitarian principles, and press freedom.

“The mission undertaken by the two Indonesian journalists was part of legitimate journalistic work and humanitarian action that should be protected under international law,” HNW said.

Calls for Immediate Government Action

HNW urged Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia to move beyond diplomatic condemnation and take concrete steps to secure the safety and release of the detained Indonesians.

According to him, protecting Indonesian citizens abroad is a constitutional obligation mandated under Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution.

“The government must ensure the safety of its citizens wherever they are. This is a constitutional mandate and a responsibility of the state,” he stated.

He also called on Indonesian authorities to verify whether other Indonesian nationals were among those detained during the Israeli interception of the humanitarian flotilla.

Humanitarian Mission Should Be Protected

HNW stressed that humanitarian missions delivering aid to civilians in Gaza should receive international protection rather than military obstruction.

He argued that the interception and detention of humanitarian activists violated international humanitarian law and contradicted universal humanitarian values and civil liberties.

The lawmaker further warned that continued attacks on humanitarian missions risk undermining global efforts to provide relief for civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Indonesia Urged to Build International Coalition

HNW also called on Indonesia to intensify diplomatic coordination with countries whose citizens were reportedly detained during the operation.

He urged the Indonesian government to work closely with international organizations, including:

• United Nations
• Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

According to HNW, stronger international coordination is necessary to pressure Israel into releasing all detained humanitarian volunteers and ensuring the protection of civilians involved in aid missions.

“The Foreign Ministry needs to build a broad international coalition with friendly nations and global institutions to protect civilians from Israeli actions,” he said.

Questions Raised Over Indonesia’s Role in Peace Initiatives

The deputy speaker also referenced Indonesia’s involvement in the Board of Peace initiative established during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

HNW argued that Indonesia should maximize its role in international peace forums to advocate for Palestinian independence, civilian protection, and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.

However, he questioned the effectiveness of such peace mechanisms amid continuing Israeli military operations and restrictions on humanitarian assistance.

“If these international peace initiatives cannot contribute meaningfully to peace in Palestine and civilian safety, Indonesia should reconsider its participation,” he said.

Concerns Over Growing Threats to Journalists

HNW also highlighted the increasing dangers faced by journalists covering the Gaza conflict, claiming that the number of journalists killed in the conflict has surpassed figures recorded during the First and Second World Wars.

He called on Indonesian and international media communities to demonstrate solidarity in defending press freedom and protecting journalists operating in conflict zones.

“This should become a moment for the Indonesian journalism community to unite against violence and crimes targeting journalists,” HNW concluded.