Foreign Minister Says 15 Indonesian Nationals in Tehran Have Requested Evacuation: We Are Arranging It

Foreign Minister Sugiono has ordered Indonesia’s ambassador to Iran to take evacuation steps as soon as possible amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East. He stressed that the government will assist Indonesian nationals who wish to be evacuated.

‘I would also like to tell you colleagues that in the face of escalating tensions, I today instructed our ambassador in Tehran to take immediate evacuation measures, if there are Indonesian people who wish to be evacuated,’ Sugiono told reporters at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (3 March 2026).

Sugiono explained that, in general, not all Indonesian nationals want to be evacuated, not only in Iran but also in other affected areas. He said that only a few Indonesians are willing.

‘Because it should be understood that among all Indonesian nationals in the affected regions, not everyone has expressed a desire to evacuate. But earlier it was stated that there are a few who are willing to evacuate from the Iran region, and I have ordered the implementation of that phased evacuation,’ he said.

Sugiono said there are 15 Indonesian nationals willing to be evacuated from Tehran. The Government is currently arranging the evacuation process given that airspace remains closed.

‘There are 15 in Tehran; this is being arranged when, because airspace is also closed. If evacuating from Tehran, they would have to be taken to Baku. From Tehran to Baku is a 10-hour journey; logistics need to be calculated. Whether they are healthy or not, etc. So it cannot be evacuated today or instantly,’ he said.

(eva/azh)