Foreign Minister Sugiono: Government to Evacuate 15 Indonesian Nationals from Iran

Foreign Minister Sugiono said 15 Indonesian citizens in Tehran, Iran, would be evacuated in response to the escalating Middle East conflict following joint United States and Israel strikes on Iran. The Indonesian government is coordinating the timing of the evacuation. The group would be transported back to the homeland by a land route via Baku, Azerbaijan. ‘Because airspace is also being closed. If evacuation from Tehran proceeds, they would have to be transported to Baku, a ten-hour journey,’ Sugiono told reporters at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday evening, 3 March 2026.

The Gerindra Party politician explained that evacuation preparations are being made by considering the logistics and health status of each Indonesian national, noting the long overland journey from Tehran to Baku before a flight back to Indonesia. ‘So it cannot be done today; evacuation cannot happen instantly,’ he said.

Nevertheless, he said, not all Indonesians in Iran wish to be evacuated. But Sugiono stressed that the government stands ready to facilitate those Indonesians who express willingness to be evacuated. He said he had instructed the Indonesian Ambassador to Iran, Rolliansyah Soemirat, to undertake evacuation efforts promptly. ‘In the face of escalating tensions, I tonight also instructed our ambassador in Tehran to take immediate evacuation steps if there are Indonesians who wish to be evacuated,’ Sugiono said.

Furthermore, Sugiono explained that the 15 Indonesians ready for evacuation have submitted requests. Meanwhile, several Indonesians in other Gulf Cooperation Council states, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, have not requested evacuation.

‘It would not be possible to move people who do not wish to be relocated; in GCC alone, Qatar has 27,000 people; if they request evacuation, we are willing to evacuate,’ he said. ‘In Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, none have expressed willingness to be evacuated yet. These are the 15 Indonesians who have expressed willingness.’

Sugiono added that the government continues to monitor the latest developments in the Gulf region. He said the situation going forward remains subject to change at any time. Meanwhile, President Prabowo Subianto has instructed his aides to anticipate any developments arising from the conflict. ‘The President also said that whatever happens we must be ready to face all eventualities,’ Sugiono said.