The ship carrying the nine Indonesian citizens was intercepted by the Israeli military in the waters off Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean on May 18, 2026, and the volunteers were detained in Ashdod, Israel.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that nine Indonesian citizens participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission through the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI) organization arrived back home safely on Sunday (May 24) at 3:30 p.m (local time).

The ship carrying the nine Indonesian citizens was intercepted by the Israeli military in the waters off Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean on May 18, 2026, and the volunteers were detained in Ashdod, Israel.

After a series of intensive diplomatic and consular steps undertaken by the Indonesian government in collaboration with various parties, including the GSF and GPCI, the nine Indonesian citizens were successfully released on May 21, 2026.

They then underwent medical examinations in Istanbul, Turkiye before finally departing for Indonesia.

Upon arrival in the country, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono welcomed the Indonesian citizens. "We welcome you back to your homeland and wish you a happy reunion with your families," the minister said.

He emphasized that the successful release and repatriation were the result of hard work and intensive coordination carried out by the Indonesian government at various levels.

"The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens, continues to optimize diplomatic channels by deploying five Indonesian representatives in strategic areas: the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul, the Indonesian Embassy in Amman, the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo, and the Indonesian Embassy in Rome," he explained.

Sugiono also expressed his deepest appreciation to the Turkish government for its role and support in facilitating the release of the Indonesian citizens.

 This success reaffirms the government's commitment and presence in providing real protection for every citizen carrying out humanitarian missions abroad, while also providing certainty and moral support for families waiting back home.

Pemerintah Indonesia sekali lagi menegaskan kecaman kerasnya atas tindakan pencegatan kapal di perairan internasional serta perlakuan tidak manusiawi yang diterima para relawan selama masa penahanan oleh militer Israel.

The Indonesian government once again reiterates its strong condemnation of the interception of ships in international waters and the inhumane treatment of volunteers during their detention by the Israeli military.

Arbitrary actions that degrade the dignity of civilians during a humanitarian mission constitute a clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

Reporting by Indonesia