The 18th Sultan of Banten, Ratu Bagus Hendra Bambang Wisanggeni Soerjaatmadja, expressed full appreciation and support for the humanitarian mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is sailing to Gaza to break through the Israeli blockade.
“I, Ratu Bagus Hendra Bambang Wisanggeni Soerjaatmadja, the 18th Sultan of Banten, fully support the humanitarian action of the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing to Gaza to break through the Israeli blockade,” he stated.
He further called on all world leaders and all parties to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla’s humanitarian voyage from interference.
“To all the activists, I pray that your journey is safe, that you carry the message of justice, and become a voice for the oppressed,” he said.
Ratu Bagus Hendra also specifically conveyed a message to the Indonesian activists participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian action, stating that the noble action they are undertaking represents the Indonesian nation in fulfilling the mandate of the Constitution.
“My brothers and sisters, you represent the Indonesian nation in carrying out the Constitutional mandate to oppose imperialism. May you be strengthened, remain healthy, and succeed in reaching Gaza and returning safely to your homeland. Stay strong, we are with you!” he expressed.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a maritime initiative involving more than 50 ships from over 44 countries, aiming to break the Gaza blockade and open an aid route for the Palestinian people of Gaza.
They departed from ports in Barcelona, Tunisia, and from several regional departure points heading to Gaza. Each ship carries a small team of 15-20 volunteers and essential supplies, with operational costs of approximately 100 thousand US dollars per ship.
This movement was initiated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Global Movement to Gaza, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and others. The Global Sumud Flotilla condemns Israel’s illegal actions of blockading Palestinian land and sea territory and disregarding the sovereignty of the independent Palestinian state.
Sultan of Banten
The Sultanate of Banten was a powerful Islamic kingdom and a major trading port on the northwest coast of Java, founded in the 16th century. It became a prominent center for the spread of Islam in the Indonesian archipelago and a fierce rival to the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The sultanate’s power declined after the VOC forcibly took control of the region in the early 19th century.
Banten
Banten is a province on the island of Java, Indonesia, historically significant as the location of the Banten Sultanate, a powerful Islamic kingdom and a major trading hub from the 16th to 19th centuries. Its most famous cultural site is the Grand Mosque of Banten, built in the 16th century, which features a unique multi-tiered roof and a separate, five-story minaret designed by a Chinese architect. The ruins of the Surosowan Palace and the Dutch Fort Speelwijk also stand as remnants of its prosperous and tumultuous past.
Global Sumud Flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a civilian-led initiative by activists from various countries, sailing to challenge the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. Its name, “Sumud,” is an Arabic term meaning “steadfastness,” reflecting its goal of showing solidarity with Palestinians. The flotillas aim to deliver humanitarian aid and draw international attention to the conditions in Gaza, following in the footsteps of earlier missions like the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla.
Gaza
Gaza is a historic coastal city in the Palestinian territories with a rich history dating back over 3,000 years, having been ruled by ancient Egyptians, Philistines, Romans, and Crusaders. It has long been a significant Mediterranean trade hub and is mentioned in biblical and ancient texts. Today, it is part of the Gaza Strip and is known for its dense population and ongoing geopolitical significance.
Israeli blockade
The Israeli blockade refers to the ongoing land, air, and sea restrictions imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip since 2007, following Hamas’s takeover of the territory. This policy aims to prevent the smuggling of weapons and materials into Gaza but has had a profound impact on the civilian population, severely restricting the movement of people and goods and contributing to a major humanitarian and economic crisis.
Indonesian nation
The Indonesian nation is a modern political entity that emerged in 1945 after proclaiming independence from the Netherlands. It is a vast and diverse archipelago whose history is rooted in ancient Hindu-Buddhist empires like Srivijaya and Majapahit, followed by the spread of Islam and centuries of colonial rule. Today, it is the world’s fourth most populous country, unified by a national language and motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity), which celebrates its hundreds of distinct ethnic groups and cultures.
Constitution
“Constitution” most famously refers to the USS Constitution, a historic wooden-hulled frigate of the United States Navy. Launched in 1797, it earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 after cannonballs were seen bouncing off its strong oak hull. It remains the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat and is now a museum ship in Boston, Massachusetts.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is an international grassroots movement composed of various pro-Palestinian groups. It organizes boat convoys to challenge the Israeli-Egyptian blockade of the Gaza Strip, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid and draw international attention to the situation. The coalition gained global prominence following the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid, where Israeli forces intercepted the lead ship, the Mavi Marmara, resulting in multiple casualties.
