Foreign Ministry Updates on Indonesians in US-Iran War: Thousands Return, 720 Still Stranded

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) continues to monitor the situation of Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Iran and the Middle East region amid escalating conflicts following attacks by the United States (US) and Israel since late February.

Acting Director of WNI Protection at Kemlu RI, Heni Hamidah, revealed that to date, the government has facilitated the independent return of 2,285 WNI from the area.

“To date, Indonesian representatives in the Middle East have facilitated the independent repatriation process for 2,285 people, and this number excludes WNI umrah pilgrims who have been repatriated,” Heni stated during a press conference on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

In addition, Kemlu has also facilitated the return of the bodies of three TNI soldiers who fell while carrying out the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Nevertheless, there are still 720 WNI stranded in various Middle Eastern regions due to flight disruptions.

“Currently, there are 720 WNI who are stranded due to flight disruptions and are already being handled while waiting for flights back to the homeland,” she explained.

Specifically in Iran, the number of WNI recorded as still in the area reaches 281 people. Of that number, 35 are crew members (ABK) on ships off the coast of Iran.

Kemlu, through the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, continues to conduct intensive communication with the WNI, both residents and non-residents, to ensure their conditions remain safe.

The government is also preparing a further evacuation scheme for WNI who wish to return to the homeland. However, its implementation will heavily depend on the security situation on the ground.

“The evacuation plan continues to be adjusted to the latest conditions, including ensuring that WNI movements are carried out through safe routes, both to assembly points and to the destination countries for evacuation,” Heni concluded.