Indonesian Press Condemns Israel’s Arrest of Journalists on Gaza Humanitarian Mission

 

 

JAKARTA KONTAK BANTEN — Indonesia’s press community has strongly condemned the Israeli Navy’s interception and arrest of Indonesian journalists aboard a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip.

The incident involved the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0, an international humanitarian convoy carrying food supplies, medicine, and emergency aid for Palestinian civilians affected by the prolonged humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

According to reports, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters, approximately 310 nautical miles from Gaza, before detaining activists, journalists, and humanitarian volunteers on board.

Among those detained were three Indonesian journalists:

• Bambang Noroyono from Republika
• Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah from Republika
• Andre Prasetyo Nugroho from Tempo TV

The journalists joined six other Indonesian citizens participating in the humanitarian mission organized under the banner of Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI).

Chronology of the Incident

The humanitarian convoy departed from Marmaris on May 14, 2026, as part of a broader international solidarity movement aimed at delivering humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

The flotilla reportedly consisted of 54 vessels carrying volunteers and activists from nearly 70 countries.

During the journey toward Gaza, Israeli naval forces intercepted the convoy in international waters. Witnesses stated that armed forces boarded several vessels and detained passengers, including journalists covering the humanitarian mission.

The interception immediately triggered international criticism, with media organizations and human rights groups accusing Israel of violating international law and restricting press freedom.

Indonesian Press Demands Action

Indonesia’s media community and press organizations condemned the arrests, calling them a serious attack on humanitarian values and freedom of the press.

Chairman of the Indonesian Press Council, Komaruddin Hidayat, urged the Indonesian government to take immediate diplomatic measures to secure the release of the detained journalists and other Indonesian citizens.

“The Indonesian Press Council strongly condemns the interception and arrest of Indonesian journalists and civilians in international waters while carrying out a humanitarian mission to Gaza,” Komaruddin said in an official statement.

He stressed that journalists working in conflict zones and humanitarian operations must be protected under international law and should never become targets of military action.

Diplomatic Efforts Underway

The Indonesian government is currently pursuing diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and return of all Indonesian nationals detained in the incident.

Media organizations, including Republika and Tempo TV, confirmed they are actively coordinating with authorities and monitoring the condition of their journalists.

The case has become a global spotlight on humanitarian access to Gaza, international maritime law, and the protection of journalists covering humanitarian crises.

Press freedom advocates worldwide are now demanding the immediate release of all detained civilians and journalists involved in the mission.