Foreign Minister Orders Indonesian Ambassador to Iran

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Sugiono, has ordered the Indonesian Ambassador to Iran, Rolliansyah Soemirat, to promptly take evacuation steps for Indonesian citizens in Iran, amid escalating Middle East tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. “Amid the escalating situation, this afternoon I have also instructed our ambassador in Tehran to take evacuation steps promptly, if there are Indonesian communities who wish to be evacuated,” Sugiono said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Tuesday (3/3). According to Sugiono, not all Indonesian citizens in the area expressed a desire to return home. However, he said that there are a number of Indonesians in Iran who are willing to be evacuated. On that basis, the evacuation process will be conducted in stages. He said the developments in the future will continue to be monitored as the dynamics in the region unfold. President Prabowo Subianto, he said, also emphasised that Indonesia must be prepared to face any possibilities arising from the conflict’s ramifications. Regarding diplomatic efforts, Sugiono said he has also communicated with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Indonesia, he said, reiterates the principle of respect for the integrity and sovereignty of a country and the importance of returning to the negotiating table to ease tensions. In addition, Sugiono conveyed the President’s desire to play a mediating role in cooling and reducing the escalation in the region and this is a view that he has also accepted,’ Sugiono said.