JAKARTA —-— Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Board of Dompet Dhuafa and Director of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), expressed his gratitude for the release of nine Indonesian citizens (WNI) who had previously been detained by the Israeli military while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission by sea to Gaza. As of Friday (May 22, 2026) local time, all of these Indonesian citizens are now in Istanbul, Turkey, in good health and safe.
Ahmad Juwaini explained that the nine Indonesian citizens were part of hundreds of international humanitarian activists participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 mission. They were detained by the Israeli military while carrying out a humanitarian mission to support the Palestinian people and Gaza.
“Alhamdulillah, all Indonesian citizens who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla activists have been released and are currently in Istanbul, safe and in good health,” said Ahmad Juwaini in his official statement.
However, Ahmad revealed that some volunteers experienced physical violence during their detention. Forms of violence included beatings, kicks, electric shocks, and other physical abuse. Nevertheless, overall, the volunteers’ condition is reported to be good, and they are able to carry out their daily activities.
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Currently, these Indonesian citizens are undergoing a series of examinations in Istanbul, including health checks and documentation regarding their experiences and alleged torture while in Israeli military custody.
Dompet Dhuafa, together with relevant parties, is also coordinating the process of repatriating all Indonesian citizens to Indonesia. Once all examination stages are completed, the nine Indonesian citizens are scheduled to be flown from Istanbul to Jakarta in the near future.
On this occasion, Ahmad Juwaini also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all parties who have assisted in the process of the release, support, and repatriation of the Indonesian humanitarian volunteers.
Gratitude was extended to the Indonesian government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), community leaders, individuals, and various parties who provided moral support, advocacy, and prayers for the safety of the volunteers.
“We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to all parties who have assisted in the release and repatriation of Indonesian citizens, including the prayers and sympathy from the public,” Ahmad continued.
At the end of his statement, Ahmad Juwaini called on the public to continue supporting the humanitarian struggle for the Palestinian people, both through moral support and active involvement in various humanitarian actions and programs carried out by humanitarian organizations.
“Continue to support the struggle to defend Palestine, liberate Palestine, and assist the humanitarian efforts in Gaza through various humanitarian activities carried out by humanitarian organizations,” he concluded. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika