Emotional Reunion as Evacuated Indonesians Arrive at Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Tangerang – An atmosphere of emotion characterised the arrival of Indonesian nationals (WNI) evacuated from Iran at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

According to Kompas.com’s monitoring at the location, one female WNI who had just arrived immediately embraced her mother, who had been waiting in the area outside the Umrah corridor. Both were unable to restrain their tears upon being reunited. The mother held her daughter tightly for several moments, then wiped her daughter’s cheeks and kissed her forehead. After the embrace, the two spoke briefly whilst continuing to gently stroke the daughter’s face. Shortly afterwards, they left the location without making any statement to the media.

This emotional moment occurred shortly after the group of evacuated Indonesians exited the international arrivals gate at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Foreign Minister Sugiono accompanied the group of WNI and immediately provided a statement to media. The Indonesian nationals could be seen walking behind him whilst carrying suitcases and hand luggage. Their faces appeared tired after the long journey. Nevertheless, some of them appeared relieved after finally arriving in their homeland.

Sugiono stated that the return of these WNI constituted part of the evacuation process being carried out by the government from Iran. “This evening, 22 WNI are returning in this first wave. Tomorrow, 10 more will depart from Iran,” said Sugiono at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Tuesday.

The government continues to keep the evacuation process open for other Indonesian citizens who wish to return to Indonesia. Sugiono noted that to date, dozens of WNI have registered themselves to participate in subsequent evacuation waves. “For the second wave, currently 36 WNI have registered themselves to be evacuated from Iran,” he said.