Foreign Ministry Urges Indonesians to Postpone Travel to Middle East
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has urged Indonesian citizens (WNI) to postpone planned travel to the Middle East region following escalating security developments in the area.
The advisory was issued directly by Foreign Minister Sugiono whilst welcoming home a repatriation group of Indonesian citizens from Iran at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasised that citizens should conduct careful reassessment before deciding to travel to Middle Eastern countries in the near term. “If you intend to travel to the Middle East region, review the current security situation. If it is deemed non-essential or unnecessary, I believe it would be best to refrain from travel until conditions genuinely permit,” Sugiono stated.
The government is currently closely monitoring security developments, particularly the impact of conflicts involving major nations in the region on civilian safety.
Previously, 22 Indonesian citizens were evacuated and arrived in the country on Tuesday. Sugiono noted that a further 10 Indonesian citizens are expected to arrive the following day, Wednesday 11 March 2026, as part of the ongoing repatriation process.
In addition to repatriation efforts, Kemlu is intensifying coordination with all Indonesian diplomatic representatives in the Middle East. Round-the-clock monitoring is being conducted to determine subsequent mitigation measures for Indonesian citizens remaining in affected areas.
The government is committed to providing updated information regarding regional security status to ensure maximum protection for all Indonesian citizens abroad. Repatriation flights are being conducted through Turkish Airlines, with routing via Baku, Azerbaijan, before proceeding to Jakarta.
Beyond encouraging restraint from all parties, Indonesia is pressing for prompt de-escalation of tensions and pursuing negotiated settlement through dialogue. The Foreign Ministry is also intensifying dialogue with Iranian authorities to ensure the safety of two Pertamina tankers detained in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to monitor and coordinate the return of Indonesian pilgrims detained in Saudi Arabia, whilst a parliamentary commission member has urged the government to urgently locate three missing Indonesian crew members lost in the Strait of Hormuz following the Musaffah 2 explosion during Iran-Israel tensions.