Seven Indonesians Detained as Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Ships

Jakarta – Seven Indonesian nationals among a group of nine humanitarian delegates affiliated with the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) have reportedly been intercepted and detained by the Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

The interception targeted several humanitarian vessels en route to Gaza, including the ships Akka (Andros), Beit Hanoun (Zefiro), and Isdud (Don Juan).

Two Indonesian delegates, Ronggo Wirasanu and Herman Budianto from the charity organization Dompet Dhuafa, were aboard the Zefiro vessel and are among those reportedly detained in the incident.

GPCI Steering Committee member Ahmad Juwaini strongly condemned the detention of the Indonesian humanitarian delegates.

“We strongly condemn this act of abduction and detention, as it violates human rights and international law. We urge that all Indonesian delegates be released immediately and safely. We call on the Indonesian government and relevant institutions to take all necessary measures to secure their release and repatriation,” Ahmad said on Tuesday.

Despite the incident, five vessels remain on course toward Gaza. Two Indonesian delegates, Asad Aras from Spirit of Aqsa and Hendro Prasetyo from Smart 171, are still continuing the mission aboard the Kasri Sadabad vessel.

GPCI humanitarian activist Syamsul Ardiansyah emphasized that the convoy participants are carrying out a peaceful mission aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, without any element of violence.

He added that the vessels were sailing in international waters, where freedom of navigation is protected under international maritime law and not subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of any single state.

“Israel has no legal authority to intercept or detain humanitarian activists operating in international waters. GPCI’s mission is entirely peaceful. The interception and detention of these activists are unjustified,” Syamsul stated.

Through its Media Crisis Center, GPCI issued several demands, including the unconditional release of all detained crew members and humanitarian delegates.

The organization also called for a full investigation into the seizure of GPCI assets during the mission and demanded the restoration of access to Gaza by lifting the blockade to allow safe and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid.

GPCI Steering Committee member Irvan Nugraha described the detention of Indonesian nationals as an unlawful act and urged stronger international support to establish a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.

“As of today, seven Indonesian citizens are being held by Israeli forces. This is an illegal act. We continue to support and pray for the safety of delegates still at sea, hoping they can sustain the humanitarian mission and help expand access for aid into Gaza,” Irvan said.

GPCI stated that it is actively coordinating with international partners to obtain updated information on the condition of the detained Indonesian delegates. Representatives in Turkey, Kuala Lumpur, and Indonesia are maintaining close communication with various stakeholders.

“We are continuously coordinating with all relevant parties and closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of our delegates,” said GPCI Steering Committee member Jajang Nurjaman.

In addition to engaging with Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, GPCI is also working with Indonesian embassies and consulates in several countries to pursue diplomatic channels for the protection and evacuation of the affected citizens.

The organization has also approached the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) to seek parliamentary support in overseeing the rescue efforts.

Tempo Media Group Corporate Secretary Jajang Jamaludin stressed the urgency of high-level diplomatic intervention to expedite the release of the detained delegates.

“Our colleagues are on a noble humanitarian mission. We need stronger diplomatic action, as the whereabouts of some delegates remain unclear. High-level lobbying is essential in situations like this,” he said.

Similarly, Republika Managing Editor Budi Rahardjo noted that efforts are ongoing to verify the location and condition of the Indonesian delegates.

“We have yet to receive confirmed information regarding their whereabouts, whether they are being held at sea or transferred elsewhere. We are utilizing all available communication channels and networks, both domestically and internationally, to determine their condition,” Budi said.

Through the press conference, the GPCI Media Crisis Center urged the Indonesian government to intensify diplomatic measures and strengthen protection for Indonesian citizens engaged in humanitarian missions in Gaza. Concrete state support is seen as critical to ensuring the safe return of the delegates.

indonesianpost.com | Republika