JAKARTA —-— Representatives from the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) held a crucial meeting with the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday (May 20, 2026). The meeting was convened to discuss the emergency situation facing the Indonesian humanitarian delegation and to urge the Indonesian government to immediately take a stance and implement tactical measures.
GPCI asked the government to seek the delegation’s release, provide full protection to all humanitarian activists, and ensure they can return home safely.
A number of prominent figures and representatives from leading humanitarian organizations attended the meeting, including Ahmad Juwaini (GPCI Steering Committee Member/Chairman of the Dompet Dhuafa Foundation), Irvan Nugraha (GPCI Steering Committee Member/CEO of Rumah Zakat), Maryam Rachmayani Yusuf (GPCI Steering Committee Member/Executive Director of Adara Relief), Arif RH (General Manager of Advocacy at Dompet Dhuafa), as well as members of the communications teams from Dompet Dhuafa and Rumah Zakat. Also in attendance was the General Chairman of Wahdah Islamiyah, KH Muhammad Zaitun Rasmin.
Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Board of Dompet Dhuafa and a member of the GPCI Steering Committee, described the situation and expressed deep concern while strongly condemning the repressive actions against the volunteers. According to him, humanitarian missions should receive full protection under international law.
“We strongly condemn the hijacking and detention of humanitarian activists who were carrying out a humanitarian mission for the Palestinian people. The aid they were carrying is a trust from the people of Indonesia and the world to assist civilians currently facing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” stated Ahmad Juwaini.
Juwaini emphasized that the safety of the entire humanitarian delegation, particularly Indonesian citizens (WNI), must be the top priority. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take swift and decisive diplomatic action, given that the primary focus of the Global Ship to Gaza (GSF) is to open a humanitarian corridor for the people of Gaza.
“We call on the Indonesian government and the international community to immediately take active steps to ensure the release of these humanitarian activists. Humanitarian aid routes must not be obstructed, let alone attacked,” he added.
In line with this, Irvan Nugraha, CEO of Rumah Zakat and a member of the GPCI Steering Committee, outlined the timeline of the interception of the humanitarian fleet. This global mission involved hundreds of volunteers from 50 countries who set sail from Barcelona on 72 ships starting April 29, 2026. However, midway through the journey, the ships were intercepted, and journalists and activists were gradually arrested.
“On April 30, 2026, 22 ships in Greek waters were intercepted. Then on May 18, 2026, 40 ships were intercepted again; among them were 5 Indonesian citizens, including 4 journalists and 1 humanitarian activist. The remaining 10 vessels that were still sailing were also eventually intercepted on May 19, 2026, and four other Indonesian citizens were subsequently arrested. So, in total, there are nine Indonesian citizens in detention,” Irvan explained in detail.
In response to these complaints and appeals, Budi Djiwandono, a member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Gerindra Faction, expressed the parliament’s concern and special attention to the matter. Prior to the meeting with the GPCI, he stated that his office had already coordinated directly with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“We, too, share these concerns, care deeply, and are providing both moral and tangible support. “Before this meeting, we met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss efforts and steps to safely repatriate our fellow citizens. Our hope, of course, is that these Indonesian citizens are treated well and can return home quickly. Rest assured, this is tangible proof that we have listened directly and recorded the names of those affected; we will do our utmost,” said Budi.
In line with Budi, Deputy Chair of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sukamta, expressed high appreciation for the courage of the activists who set out on this peace mission. He acknowledged the significant challenges on the ground, as the entities they face often disregard international law and UN resolutions.
“We have also taken strategic steps and contacted our network of partners in various countries to secure a return route. We affirm that we will take steps to support our friends in this effort,” said Sukamta.
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Meanwhile, the Chairman of Wahdah Islamiyah, KH Muhammad Zaitun Rasmin, who accompanied the GPCI, hopes that the Indonesian House of Representatives and the President of Indonesia can voice Indonesia’s stance more forcefully on the international stage, leveraging Indonesia’s strategic position in global cooperation.
“I am a cleric who supports Indonesia joining the Board of Peace (BoP); in fact, I even faced a lot of criticism because of that. But precisely for that reason, let’s make the most of this cooperation. I recall the President’s promise: if joining the BoP does not bring benefits (for humanity), then Indonesia will withdraw from the BoP,” he concluded.
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment between GPCI and the Indonesian House of Representatives to continue overseeing the diplomatic process for the protection of citizens, in order to ensure that the nine Indonesian citizens and hundreds of other international volunteers can be released immediately and return home safely. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil