Press Council Chairman Komaruddin Hidayat said the journalists were aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0, which was carrying humanitarian aid, including food and medicines, to Gaza.
“The Press Council condemns the Israeli military’s interception and detention of Indonesian journalists and other civilian crew members in international waters en route to Gaza,” the council said in a statement Tuesday.
The detained journalists were identified as Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai Rifan Billah of Republika, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho of Tempo TV.
They joined the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia together with six other Indonesians aboard the flotilla, which departed from Marmaris on May 14, 2026.
According to the Press Council, the flotilla comprised 54 vessels carrying participants from about 70 countries and was intercepted in international waters about 310 nautical miles from Gaza.
The council said it had contacted the editors-in-chief of Republika and Tempo TV to confirm the journalists’ condition after both outlets received reports of the detention Monday evening, Jakarta time.
The Press Council also urged the Indonesian government to assist the repatriation process for the detained journalists and other Indonesian civilians involved in the mission.
The council reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists carrying out reporting duties under applicable laws and regulations.
Related news: Five Indonesians seized by Israeli military in Gaza flotilla: MOFA
Related news: Indonesia condemns Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla
Translator: Devi, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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