Escalating Conflict: Indonesia Monitors Conditions of Indonesian Citizens in the Middle East
The conflict in the Middle East is showing increasingly widespread escalation, raising concerns over the fate of Indonesian nationals (WNI) still present in the region. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI) has confirmed that the government is undertaking various protective measures for WNI in conflict-affected areas.
The government is also ensuring intensive monitoring of the situation on the ground and its impact on Indonesian citizens in the region.
“The Indonesian government continues to closely monitor the impact of the conflict on WNI in the region and has prepared contingency measures should conditions necessitate repatriation from various countries,” the government stated through Kemlu RI on Monday 9 March.
Based on reports from various Indonesian diplomatic missions in the region, the security situation in the Middle East is increasingly concerning. Consequently, the government has reiterated serious concern over mounting tensions.
“Having received reports from various Indonesian Missions in the Middle East regarding the increasingly concerning security situation in the region, the Indonesian government once again expresses deep concern over the escalating and widening tensions and their impact in the Middle East,” the statement continued.
Indonesia has also called for the conflict not to spread further. The government has asked the United States and Israel to halt attacks against Iran. Additionally, Indonesia has requested that Iran cease attacks targeting neighbouring countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The Indonesian government has also reaffirmed the importance of all parties adhering to principles of international law.
“Indonesia reaffirms the obligation of all parties to uphold the principles of international law, particularly concerning the prohibition on the use of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” the government stated.
Amid escalating tensions, Indonesia is also encouraging all parties to prioritise peaceful channels through diplomacy.
“Indonesia encourages the parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and return to the negotiating table through dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement said.
The Esfahan nuclear facility has sustained severe damage from US-Israel missile strikes. The attacks targeted underground tunnel access to block Iran’s nuclear fuel reserves. Protesters from various organisations, including the Anti-Zionist Alliance and the Yemen Palestine Solidarity Committee, held demonstrations in front of the United States Embassy.
The rupiah exchange rate closed weak this afternoon at Rp16,949 per US dollar. Surging global oil prices and escalating Middle East conflict are the primary drivers.
The increasingly heated geopolitical situation in the Middle East must serve as a serious alarm for Indonesia to strengthen national energy independence. Global oil prices have breached US$100 per barrel due to the Middle East conflict. The government is prioritising economic stability and maintaining public purchasing power.
Kemlu RI is intensifying dialogue with Iranian authorities to ensure the safety of two Pertamina tanker vessels detained in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun phased evacuation of Indonesian nationals (WNI) from Iran following escalating tensions in the Middle East. Kemlu RI, along with all Indonesian Missions in the Middle East, continues to strengthen communication and coordination with WNI in areas affected by the Middle East situation.