JAKARTA —-— Joy filled Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Cengkareng when nine Indonesian citizens—members of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) delegation on the Global Sumur Flotilla humanitarian mission—landed in Indonesia on Sunday (May 24, 2026) at 3:40 p.m. WIB.
The nine Indonesian GPCI delegates for the GSF 2.0 mission, who had been detained by military forces, have been released. Before returning to Indonesia, the nine underwent health screenings, as they had suffered physical abuse while in Israeli military custody.
An emotional atmosphere filled Terminal III of the International Arrivals Hall at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Family members, relatives, and media crews filled the arrival area to welcome the GPCI delegates returning to Indonesia.
A sense of gratitude accompanied the return of Ronggo Wirasanu and Herman Budianto, two of the nine GPCI delegates who are also part of the Dompet Dhuafa team. Both have been confirmed to have landed safely after completing their humanitarian mission.
The delegates were welcomed upon their return by Sugiono, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdalfatah A.K. Alsattari, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The welcome ceremony included a flower garlanding ceremony and the presentation of bouquets as a gesture of gratitude for the delegates’ return.
Foreign Minister Sugiono expressed his appreciation to the delegates who had carried out the Global Flotilla humanitarian mission. The participants’ efforts were seen as part of the Indonesian civil society’s commitment to championing humanitarian issues and international solidarity for Palestine.
“On behalf of the Government of Indonesia, I would like to thank all parties who have worked hard. My highest appreciation goes to the delegates who have returned safely, as well as to the governments of Turkey and Jordan for their assistance. Welcome back, and enjoy being reunited with your families,” said Sugiono.
Sugiono also reiterated that Indonesia condemns Israel’s treatment of a number of activists who were attempting to deliver aid to Palestine.
“This is clearly a violation of international law. They are civilians striving to provide humanitarian aid to their brothers and sisters—our brothers and sisters in Palestine. We also voiced this condemnation at the UN Security Council on May 21. This is an unacceptable act that must not be tolerated,” said Sugiono.
Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Board of Dompet Dhuafa and Director of GPCI, expressed his appreciation for the safe and healthy return of the delegates. He also thanked the Indonesian government, the media, and all segments of society who helped monitor and support the mission until the delegates finally returned home.
“On behalf of the Dompet Dhuafa family, we extend our deepest respect and extraordinary appreciation to all members of the GSF team, especially Mas Herman and Mas Ronggo, who have fought for Palestinian independence, humanity, and helped our brothers and sisters in Gaza, and alhamdulillah, they have returned to Jakarta. We appreciate all parties who have helped facilitate the return of the DD team to Jakarta, and specifically the GPC family at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as representatives from other countries who assisted in the delegates’ return, along with the public who have supported us all this time through their concern and prayers. May this inspire us to continue the struggle for Palestinian independence,” said Ahmad Juwaini.
Maimon Herawati, a member of the Steering Committee of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia, stated that her organization has gathered statements and testimonies from the delegates and will bring the case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In addition, Maimon also expressed her appreciation to the Turkish government, which played a major role in the process of repatriating the delegates. She mentioned that the Global Sumud Flotilla Committee communicated with the Turkish government so that the repatriation of the humanitarian delegates could be carried out centrally in Turkey.
“Alhamdulillah, Turkey has been very helpful. Initially, Turkey was only going to send one plane, and we requested that Indonesian citizens be included on that flight. However, we on the Steering Committee then decided that all (delegates) should be sent to Istanbul to centralize the process, and eventually Turkey agreed to send three planes,” said Maimon in Jakarta.
Friends, the humanitarian struggle for Palestine is not over yet. The public is encouraged to continue monitoring, speaking out, and keeping the spotlight on the struggle for Palestinian independence. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Anndini Dwi Putri
Editor: Dhika