Commission I of DPR Commends Foreign Ministry's Swift Action to Protect Indonesian Citizens in Middle East
Jakarta — A member of Commission I of the DPR, Farah Puteri Nahlia, has praised the steps taken by Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry and its Middle Eastern representatives. The government’s swift response in issuing security alerts, deploying 24-hour hotlines, intensively monitoring affected Indonesian citizens, and issuing travel advisories to the region has been assessed as a crucial measure and genuine form of protection for citizens.
This commendation was issued in response to escalating geopolitical tensions stemming from a series of armed conflicts between the United States and Israel with Iran. Recognising the significant impact on stability and the humanitarian crisis threat posed by such conflicts, Farah emphasised that the state must always be present on the frontline for its citizens.
“We are all deeply concerned about this conflict. However, the most essential and absolute priority at this moment is the safety of our citizens. The protection of Indonesian nationals and Red Crescent workers in the affected region is the nation’s highest priority,” said Farah in a press statement on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
Beyond responding swiftly to the crisis, the government’s preparedness in designing protection scenarios also received positive attention from parliament. The sophistication of evacuation plans, heightened alert status, and travel deferral advisories to conflict zones have earned parliament’s approval.
“We can see that the government has prepared layered contingency scenarios and evacuation plans. This deserves commendation because it demonstrates that the state is truly present. So, should a sudden escalation occur, we are ready. Our countrymen there can also feel more assured because they feel they are not abandoned alone,” she added.
Beyond technical preparedness, the legislator from the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction also praised the approach employed by ambassadors in the field. Steps to educate the public regarding crisis mitigation—such as guidance on assembling Go-To Bags (emergency readiness packs)—were conducted in a highly empathetic manner that considered the psychological condition of overseas Indonesian citizens.
“We have heard reports that our ambassadors issued advisories to citizens at the moment before breaking fast during Ramadan. In our view, this is a very humanistic approach. The message could be conveyed without causing public panic, because citizens felt embraced in a familial manner,” Farah commended.
According to her, such cultural approaches are crucial. State protection should not only encompass physical safety, but also psychosocial support during emergency situations.
“This kind of approach is very important. When security instructions are conveyed in a caring manner, our citizens will certainly feel more reassured. Psychologically, they feel more directed and truly protected by their nation,” Farah explained further.
In conclusion, Farah reminded that Indonesia’s task does not end with protecting citizens abroad. She urged the government to also maximise its role in global diplomacy.
“Indonesia must take on the role of a peace catalyst, continuously pressing for an end to violence and de-escalation of the conflict, in order to maintain global security stability,” she concluded.