Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is continuing to monitor the condition of nine Indonesian nationals, including five who were detained by Israeli forces while participating in the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission.

While working to secure the release of the detained Indonesians, Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman stated that the government continues to monitor four other Indonesians still on a separate ship in the eastern Mediterranean.

"The situation on the ground remains very dynamic, and the four Indonesians still aboard remain in a vulnerable condition," Dudung said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated with Indonesian embassies in Turkey, Egypt, Italy, and Jordan as a precautionary measure to issue emergency passports in case their original documents are confiscated by authorities.

“The Indonesian embassies are also engaging with local authorities to ensure transit access and that the repatriation process for Indonesian citizens can proceed without immigration obstacles,” he added.

Indonesia has also joined nine other countries—Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Spain—in a joint statement strongly condemning the Israeli attack on the Gaza flotilla.

He assured that Indonesian embassies remain on standby to respond immediately to developments and coordinate with local authorities.

Earlier, Israeli forces reportedly intercepted at least 40 of the 54 ships participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian convoy as of Tuesday.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that five Indonesians, including journalists and activists, were detained after Israeli forces intercepted vessels on Monday, May 18. Four other Indonesians aboard two separate vessels continue their journey in waters near Cyprus, according to the ministry.



Related news: PWI urges protection for Indonesian journalists on Gaza mission

Related news: Indonesia condemns Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla

Related news: Indonesia urges Israel to free all Gaza aid mission crew