Indonesia Ensures Safety of 535,897 Citizens Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has confirmed that all Indonesian citizens in the Middle East are currently safe amid the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. “All 535,897 Indonesian citizens in affected countries, including Iran, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Bahrain, are reported to be safe at this time,” said Heni Hamidah, Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and Legal Entities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing in Jakarta on Thursday.

Heni stated that the ministry is continuously monitoring the situation closely following the heightened tensions between the US and Iran. She added that Indonesian Representatives have also remained on alert by implementing contingency plans that have been prepared and adapted to field conditions.

The US has launched new strikes on various areas in Iran since last week, which were subsequently met with retaliation by Iran targeting US military facilities and bases in several countries in the region. The fighting has continued despite both nations signing a framework agreement mediated by Pakistan in June, which was intended to end the war that began in February and pave the way for a lasting peace deal.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Indonesian citizens in the region to heighten their vigilance, monitor information from local authorities and Indonesian Representatives, and contact the nearest Indonesian Representative if they find themselves in an emergency situation.