Nine Indonesian activists filed a criminal complaint with Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office, alleging kidnapping and abuse during their four-day detention by Israeli authorities in May 2026. The group, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, claims they were subjected to physical violence, including electric shocks and beatings, and sought legal action under Indonesia’s new Criminal Code, which allows universal jurisdiction for crimes against citizens abroad.
The Complaint and Its Legal Basis
The activists cited Indonesia’s new Criminal Code, which includes provisions for universal jurisdiction, allowing the prosecution of human rights violations committed abroad against Indonesian citizens. Indonesia's new legal framework recognizes universal jurisdiction, allowing the prosecution of human rights violations committed outside Indonesia when they involve Indonesian citizens,
said former Attorney General Marzuki Darusman, who accompanied the group to the Attorney General’s Office. The complaint also references the passive nationality principle, under which crimes against Indonesians abroad can be prosecuted domestically if they are criminal offenses under Indonesian law.
Shaleh Al Ghifari, the activists’ lawyer, emphasized that the case could set a precedent for holding foreign governments accountable for actions against Indonesian nationals. This complaint is part of an international public protest and an effort to seek justice through legal means,
he said. The legal basis for the case hinges on Article 6 of the new Criminal Code, which expands prosecutors’ authority to pursue cases involving serious human rights violations, regardless of where they occur.
Allegations of Abuse and Evidence Presented
The activists detailed specific abuses they alleged to have suffered during their detention, including electric shocks, beatings, and harassment. We have submitted nine separate complaints from each volunteer. Some were subjected to electric shocks, some had their heads stepped on, others were beaten, kicked, and some also experienced harassment,
said Shaleh Al Ghifari. The group provided photographs of injuries, medical examinations, and detailed chronological accounts of their treatment as evidence.
International Context and Diplomatic Efforts
The Indonesian government worked through third countries, including Turkey, to secure the activists’ release. The group included journalists and activists from media outlets such as Republika, Tempo, and iNews. The nine Indonesians were released on May 21, 2026, following diplomatic and consular efforts undertaken by the Indonesian government and several parties,
according to Tempo. The case highlights the complex interplay between international law, state sovereignty, and humanitarian aid missions.
Broad Implications and Ongoing Legal Actions
The complaint is part of a broader international effort to hold Israel accountable for its actions during the GSF 2.0 mission. Volunteers from other countries are also pursuing similar legal actions in their jurisdictions, according to Shaleh Al Ghifari. The case could set a precedent for using universal jurisdiction to address human rights violations committed abroad, particularly in conflicts where state actors are involved.
Indonesia’s stance on the issue reflects its broader foreign policy, which has no diplomatic relations with Israel. The country’s legal framework, however, now provides a mechanism for pursuing justice in cases involving its citizens. This complaint is part of an international public protest and an effort to seek justice through legal means,
said Marzuki Darusman. The outcome of the case could influence how other nations approach similar situations, particularly in the context of humanitarian aid missions and state responses to non-state actors.
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