JAKARTA —-— A wave of solidarity for the nine Indonesian citizens (WNI) detained by the Israeli military continues to flow in the capital. This afternoon, Thursday (May 21, 2026), a number of Dompet Dhuafa staff took to the streets, joining the crowd at the Kamisan Rally in front of the State Palace to demand justice for their colleagues.
This collaborative peaceful demonstration served as a platform for a joint demand regarding the detention of five humanitarian activists and four journalists from Indonesia. They were intercepted and arrested while delivering humanitarian aid on the high seas during the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to Gaza.
Arif Rahmadi Haryono, General Manager of Advocacy at Dompet Dhuafa, emphasized that the presence of the organization’s staff in the black-clad ranks of the Thursday Rally this afternoon is a tangible demonstration that they stand in solidarity with the victims and their families. The incident in international waters is viewed purely as an act of kidnapping targeting a non-violent humanitarian mission.
“This afternoon, together with our friends from the Kamisan Action and participants in the movement for the liberation of the Palestinian people, we are calling for the release of Indonesian citizens being held hostage in Israel. Of the nine people, five are humanitarian activists and four are journalists,” said Arif amidst the bustling crowd of the Kamisan Action.
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During the Kamisan rally, Arif also shared crucial updates he had just received from the field. According to the latest information, the entire delegation has reportedly been released from Israeli prisons, though advocacy organizations and networks are still closely monitoring where they will be deported next.
In addition to focusing on the volunteers’ safety, the course of this afternoon’s protest was also marked by a wave of sharp criticism from various civil society groups regarding the government’s response. Nadine Sherani, a representative from the Commission for the Missing and Victims of Violence (KontraS), emphasized that this incident cannot be treated as a routine interception.
“They weren’t just arrested; they were intercepted—they were kidnapped on the high seas. It wasn’t merely an interception, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed,” stated Nadine amidst the roaring crowd at the Thursday Action rally.
Calls for more aggressive diplomacy were also voiced by Adam from the Indonesian Cycling Community, who urged the government to utilize every avenue of international lobbying to protect its citizens.
“We are asking the President of Indonesia, especially him, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well, to step in and lobby. After all, Indonesia doesn’t have formal diplomatic relations with that country. “But regardless, our friends are people driven by a sense of humanity, not a desire to fight there. Please help free them!” Adam emphasized.
Meanwhile, Dompet Dhuafa explained that since the initial confirmation of the arrests circulated, they have been engaged in a relentless lobbying effort with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the House of Representatives, and the Presidential Staff Office (KSP). In addition to diplomatic channels, monitoring the mental well-being of the families of the detained colleagues has also been a primary focus of domestic efforts.
“We always keep in touch with the families. We provide psychological support and legal assistance to the families,” added Arif Rahmadi Haryono.
Despite being intercepted by military intimidation on the high seas, the presence of Dompet Dhuafa volunteers—standing united with the resolve of the cross-community crowd at today’s Kamisan Rally—sent a resounding message: such arbitrary actions only serve to fuel the spirit of the humanitarian movement in Indonesia, making it even stronger in breaking through the Gaza blockade.
“God willing, this won’t dampen our spirits. Our friends volunteering for Gaza already understand the risks. This incident actually makes us even more determined to break through the humanitarian blockade,” Arif concluded. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Roseta
Editor: Dhika