Expert urges Indonesia to prioritise security of Indonesian nationals amid Middle East conflict

Padang — An International Relations expert from Universitas Andalas (UNAND) in West Sumatra, Virtuous Setyaka, has urged the Indonesian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue monitoring and prioritising the security of Indonesian nationals (WNI) in the Middle East, following escalating conflict and tensions in the region.

“Steps to secure Indonesian nationals currently in the Middle East should be considered immediately,” said Virtuous Setyaka in Padang on Sunday.

This recommendation follows escalating tensions between Iran and the United States alongside its ally Israel, which has had repercussions across several Middle Eastern countries. Several United States military bases in Middle Eastern countries including Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have also been targeted by missiles launched by Iran.

Virtuous expressed concern that failure to implement protective measures for Indonesian nationals currently in war-affected countries could potentially endanger their safety. He assessed that the Middle East conflict could trigger a regional war involving several countries in the region. Consequently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been advised to take anticipatory measures for Indonesian nationals in red zones.

The Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh has called on all Indonesian nationals in the Saudi Arabian region to remain calm, avoid panic, and increase vigilance regarding the situation around their respective residences.

The embassy has also requested Indonesian nationals to monitor information from official and reliable sources and comply with directives and appeals from Saudi Arabian Government authorities and the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh. Indonesian nationals in the country are also urged to register with the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh through the portal https://peduliwni.kemlu.go.id/beranda.html.