22 Indonesian Citizens from Iran Arrive at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Received by Foreign Minister Sugiono

Approximately 22 Indonesian citizens evacuated from Iran have arrived in the country. The return of these dozens of citizens represents the first wave of the Indonesian citizen repatriation process resulting from escalating Middle Eastern conflict.

“This afternoon, 22 of our citizens have returned in this first wave. Tomorrow, another 10 will arrive from Iran,” Foreign Minister Sugiono told journalists at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday (10 March 2026).

Beyond the first wave, Sugiono noted that dozens of other Indonesian citizens wish to follow and return to the country. At least 36 people have already registered for the second wave.

“As of this afternoon, 36 people have already registered to be repatriated to the country from Iran in the second wave,” he said.

The repatriation process follows the escalation of conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Sugiono continues to coordinate with Indonesian representatives abroad to monitor the current situation.

Sugiono explained that the repatriation process takes into account numerous technical and security factors on the ground. This includes local authorities’ regulations and the availability of airspace.

“Many factors are variables, including local security situations, authorities’ regulations, logistics, evacuation routes, and which countries have open or closed airspace,” he explained.

He therefore urged citizens planning to travel to the Middle East to continue monitoring the security situation. The public is advised to postpone travel if it is not urgent.

“If you are planning to travel to the Middle East, reconsider the current situation status. If deemed non-urgent, it is best to refrain until the situation truly allows,” he advised.