JAKARTA —-— The struggle of the international humanitarian delegation on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission continues amid an increasingly tense situation in the Mediterranean. On Tuesday (May 19, 2026), the Media Crisis Center of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) held a press conference regarding the latest developments in the humanitarian voyage.
Of the total 9 GPCI delegates participating in the humanitarian mission, 7 were reportedly included in the list of delegates who were intercepted and arrested. On Tuesday (May 19, 2026), the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) again intercepted a number of ships, including the Akka (Andros), Beit Hanoun (Zefiro), and Isdud (Don Juan).
In that incident, GPCI delegates Ronggo Wirasanu and Herman Budianto, who were aboard the Zefiro, were reportedly also arrested.
“To the two delegates, Mr. Herman Budianto and Mr. Ronggo Wirasanu, we strongly condemn this act of abduction and detention. Since these actions violate human rights and international law, we hope that the Indonesian delegates can be safely released immediately. Therefore, we urge the Indonesian government, along with all relevant agencies and ministries, to assist in the release and safe return of the Indonesian delegates to their homeland,” said Ahmad Juwaini in a separate statement.
Nevertheless, as of now, there are still five ships continuing their voyage toward Gaza. Two Indonesian delegates who remain on the voyage to Gaza—Asad Aras and Hendro Prasetyo—are aboard the Kasri Sadabad.
Syamsul Ardiansyah, a GPCI Humanitarian Activist, stated that the humanitarian activists are said to have come on a non-violent peace mission to deliver aid to the people of Gaza.
In his statement, Syamsul noted that the voyage took place in international waters, which, under international maritime law, are subject to the right of navigation and are not under the exclusive authority of any single state.
“Here we see that Israel has no right or authority to kidnap or intercept humanitarian activists. GPCI is a humanitarian mission carried out peacefully without violence. Israel’s actions to block and abduct are completely baseless,” said Syamsul.
The demands issued by the GPCI Media Crisis Center are as follows:
- The unconditional release of the entire ship’s crew who have been abducted by the Israeli Zionist army.
- Investigate the full return of GPCI assets that have been forcibly seized, as the GSF mission is a humanitarian mission that promotes peace through non-violence in order to deliver humanitarian aid and convey a message of non-violent humanity.
- Lift the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
“Today, seven Indonesian citizens are being detained by the Israeli military. This is an illegal act. We continue to support and pray for the delegates still at sea, hoping they remain safe and able to bring a spirit of humanity to the people of Gaza, while also opening broader access for humanitarian aid,” said Irvan Nugraha, GPCI Director.
Furthermore, Irvan also discussed GPCI’s efforts to support this humanitarian mission. Throughout the day, GPCI representatives in Türkiye, Kuala Lumpur, and Indonesia have been working tirelessly to obtain the latest information regarding the whereabouts and condition of the Indonesian citizens reported to be detained.
“We are continuously coordinating with various parties and monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the delegation currently carrying out this humanitarian mission,” stated Jajang Nurjaman, GPCI Director.
As part of these efforts, GPCI is also actively communicating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including relevant parties through diplomatic channels. Additionally, GPCI visited the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) to submit a request urging the parliament to support, oversee, and strengthen efforts to rescue the Indonesian delegation.
At the same time, communication continues with the Indonesian Embassy and Consulate General to obtain the latest updates on the condition of Indonesian citizens on the ground.
“Release them unconditionally! Because our friends there are carrying out a noble mission. We need more effective action because, as of today, the whereabouts of our friends remain unclear. We believe that high-level lobbying will be more impactful in a situation like this,” said Jajang Jamaludin, Corporate Secretary of Tempo Media Group.
“Neither we nor anyone else has received any news about them, or whether they are still being held on the floating prison. We are utilizing all channels and networks, both domestically and internationally, to confirm the whereabouts of our friends and their current condition—that is what we are seeking,” added Budi Rahardjo, Managing Editor of Republika
At this press conference, the GPCI Media Crisis Center expressed hope that the Indonesian government would continue to strengthen its diplomatic efforts following its earlier statements of position and condemnation of Israel’s actions. Concrete support from all elements of the state is considered essential to ensure the protection and rescue of Indonesian citizens proceeds as effectively as possible. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Anndini Dwi Putri
Editor: Satria Andhika