September 18, 2025 | 10:38 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian actress and activist Wanda Hamidah becomes the only Indonesian woman sailing to Gaza with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). She's also the only woman on the boat she boarded.
Wanda Hamidah's Challenging Journey
Wanda Hamidah's departure was not without hurdles. She faced uncertain situations for almost 2 weeks in Tunisia, after several delegations from other countries canceled their departure. But Wanda persisted and remained determined to leave, until she was chosen as the last passenger on the Kaiser boat, which was scheduled to sail to Gaza on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
In her personal Instagram post, Wanda expressed gratitude and determination. "Indonesia, Alhamdulillah, Insyaallah, Bismillah, we will sail to Gaza tonight," she said in a video uploaded on her Instagram Story this morning.
As reported from fellow actress Zaskia Adya Mecca's Instagram Story, the journey was also marked by security threats and various sabotages, from fuel shortages, sudden mass vessel breakdowns to the withdrawal of ship captains due to pressure.
Nevertheless, Wanda remained steadfast in the flotilla organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international civil society movement consisting of dozens of countries aiming to break Israeli siege to deliver aid to Gaza.
Wearing a keffiyeh to cover her hair, Wanda was seen shouting, "Thank you everyone. I am departing to Gaza. Keep praying for Gaza."
She vowed to return to Indonesia safely. "I will," she exclaimed.
First Night Aboard the Ship
Wanda shared moments of her journey through her Instagram Story, showing the atmosphere of the first night sleeping on the deck of the ship with dark skies above. "First night sleeping on the deck. Can you see the moon?"
In a voice message shared with Zaskia Mecca, Wanda also described her condition. "Anyway, Alhamdulillah, I'm okay, I'm good. The boat is a bit full, but mainly with goods. I'm the only woman on the ship, but it's okay. Actually, there were two women earlier, but it seems she didn't join. But it's okay, InsyaAllah, I'm here with good Muslim brothers."
This statement affirms that despite being alone as a woman, Wanda remains optimistic and confident about the humanitarian mission she carries. She expressed readiness "in body and soul" to sail to Gaza.
Muhammad Husein, Gaza Journalist and IGPC Coordinator
Behind Wanda's departure, there is the role of Muhammad Husein, Lc., an Indonesian journalist and humanitarian activist who has long lived in Gaza. Through the Indonesian Global Peace Convoy (IGPC) organization, Husein helped coordinate the departure of the Indonesian delegation with the flotilla.
In an interview with Wanda, quoted from Instagram @mhuseingazaofficial, Husein emphasized that the flotilla mission is not about the participants' popularity, but about the genocide and Israel's blockade on Gaza. "It's not about our exposure, or the Global Sumud Flotilla, but about why the Global Sumud Flotilla exists, namely the genocide in Gaza and the Israeli blockade on Gaza; that should be the exposure."
Husein also posted support for Wanda on his official Instagram account. He stressed that the participation of public figures like Wanda is crucial because it can attract global attention. However, he reminded that the narrative should remain focused on the suffering of Gaza residents, not just on the participants themselves.
SILVIA ALYA RAHMAH
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