Tempo Expresses Concern After Israeli Forces Detain Indonesian Journalist on Gaza Mission

Indonesian media organization Tempo has expressed deep concern over the detention of one of its journalists by Israeli forces while covering a humanitarian mission attempting to reach Gaza.

Tempo reporter Andre Prasetyo Nugroho was reportedly detained by Israeli military personnel while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 mission, an international civilian effort aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. According to reports, contact with Andre was lost on May 17, before organizers later confirmed that Israeli forces had intercepted the vessel and detained passengers aboard.

Tempo management said the journalist had been assigned to cover the humanitarian mission and document conditions related to the Gaza conflict. The company stated that it remained in communication with Andre’s family while coordinating efforts to obtain updates regarding his safety and legal status. Tempo also said it was providing support and monitoring developments closely.

Reports indicated that Andre was among several Indonesian nationals detained during the interception of the flotilla in international waters. Organizers of the mission said the convoy was carrying humanitarian aid intended for Palestinians in Gaza and accused Israeli authorities of unlawfully stopping civilian vessels outside Israeli territorial waters.

The incident triggered concern among Indonesian journalists’ organizations and press freedom advocates, who called for the immediate release of detained reporters and civilians involved in the mission. Media groups argued that journalists covering humanitarian operations should be protected under international standards and allowed to work without intimidation or detention.

Israel has defended interceptions of Gaza-bound flotillas by citing the country’s naval blockade on Gaza and broader security concerns. Israeli authorities have repeatedly argued that unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade violate security regulations linked to the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The detention of Andre also renewed broader international debate surrounding press freedom and journalist safety during the Israel-Gaza conflict. Rights organizations and media watchdogs have repeatedly raised concerns over restrictions on reporters, detentions, and conditions facing journalists covering Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Tempo stated that it hoped diplomatic efforts and international pressure would help secure the release of Andre and other detainees involved in the humanitarian mission. Indonesian civil society groups and press organizations have continued urging stronger international action to protect journalists operating in conflict zones.

Reference –

https://en.tempo.co/read/2104377/tempo-expresses-concern-for-journalist-detained-by-israel?tracking_page_direct