Jakarta. Israeli forces have abducted all 9 Indonesians who were aboard the Gaza-bound aid ships as of Wednesday at 7.13 a.m Jakarta time, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The 9 Indonesian activists and journalists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0, in which dozens of ships sought to breach the Gaza maritime blockade to deliver aid to the war-battered enclave. The Israeli naval forces had intercepted the ships near Cyprus. Foreign Ministry spokesman Vahd Nabyl A Mulachela told the Jakarta Globe that Indonesia would continue to engage in “intensive approach with local authorities and all relevant parties”. Nabyl did not go into details on which parties they had been speaking to.

“This is to make sure that all 9 Indonesians are safe,” Nabyl said.

Nabyl went on to say that Indonesia would “maximize all diplomatic channels and consular measures” to ensure their full protection until they return home.

Of the nine detained Indonesians, three are journalists: Thoudy Badai (Republika), Bambang Noroyono (Republika), and Andre Prasetyo (TV Tempo). Rahendro Herubowo is among the abductees. While previous reports showed that Rahendro was an iNews journalist, the TV station later clarified that he had already resigned from the company in August 2022.

Indonesia does not have official diplomatic ties with Israel despite export-import activities that totaled $62 million in Q1 2026, Trade Ministry data showed. Jakarta, Spain, Brazil, and seven other countries have also condemned the attack “in the strongest terms” in a joint statement. Jakarta has also been a vocal supporter of Palestinian independence.

"Communications are limited. ... We hope [the abducted Indonesians] are okay. We will continue to make coordination efforts as we don't have direct relations [with Israel]," Foreign Minister Sugiono told reporters at the parliamentary complex.

Read More: Indonesia and Nine Other Countries Angered by Israeli Attack on Gaza Flotilla

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