Press Council Condemns Israeli Arrest of Indonesian Journalists

SUARA NEGERI | JAKARTA — The Press Council condemns the military actions of the Israel Defense Forces, particularly the Israeli Navy, which intercepted and seized the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 humanitarian ship in international waters en route to the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

The incident occurred on Monday (May 18, 2026) when the flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid in the form of food and medicine, was stopped by the Israeli military.

The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Marmaris, Turkey on Thursday (May 14, 2026), involving 54 ships crewed by volunteers from approximately 70 countries.

At the time of the arrest, the ships were in international waters approximately 310 nautical miles from Gaza. The Chairman of the Press Council, Komaruddin Hidayat, strongly condemned the interception.

According to him, the arrest of journalists carrying out humanitarian reporting is an unjustifiable act.

"Journalists carry out their duty to convey information to the public. We deeply regret and condemn their arrest in international waters while carrying out their journalistic work," said Komaruddin in a written statement on Tuesday (May 19, 2026).

The group included nine Indonesian citizens who were members of the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI). Three of them were journalists: Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah from Republika, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho from Tempo TV.

The Press Council also requested that the Indonesian government use diplomatic channels to release the journalists and other Indonesian civilians arrested by the Israeli military, while ensuring their safety and assisting in their repatriation to Indonesia.

This statement demonstrates the Press Council's commitment to safeguarding press freedom and providing protection so that the media can carry out their duties and functions in accordance with applicable law. (R)