329 Indonesian Citizens in Iran, 32 People to Be Evacuated Starting Today

Acting Director of the Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kementerian Luar Negeri, Kemlu), Heni Hamidah, said 329 Indonesian nationals were currently in Iran, with most located in the city of Qom. Of those, the majority are students pursuing studies in Iran. In total, Indonesian nationals in the Middle East number about 519,042. In the first phase, 32 Indonesian nationals will be evacuated. ‘Regarding the evacuation plan for Indonesian nationals in Iran, it will take into account developments and security in Iran, and the evacuation will commence in stages starting today,’ she said. She reported that the first phase of evacuation via Azerbaijan route. However, subsequent evacuation routes will be adjusted to real-time conditions on the ground and determined by Indonesia’s representatives at the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran (KBRI Teheran) and the Indonesian Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan. ‘The plan for further evacuations will be decided by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia after considering the latest security updates and other aspects.’ She stated that the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran will continue to communicate with and reach out to Indonesians still in Tehran, whether settled there or travelling within Iran. The Embassy will continue to operate to provide assistance and meet the needs of Indonesians remaining in the country. On the other hand, she acknowledged that the public is keen to know the details and progress of all these staged evacuations. Therefore, the public is urged to monitor official updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also gave space to all teams involved to carry out their duties, including the Tehran Embassy as the front line in this evacuation process.