Indonesian National Witnesses Iranian Missiles in Sharjah Sky
Ashim Romadhony, 23, an Indonesian student at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, witnessed firsthand Iranian missiles and drones repelled by the United Arab Emirates’ air defence system in the sky over Sharjah’s Al Jada District. The Indonesian citizen said he heard bangs and saw flashes since Iran’s first strike on the UAE. “The bangs and flashes in the sky were heard and seen very clearly,” Ashim told reporters on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
Iran launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on the UAE from Saturday, 28 February 2026. Iran’s action is a retaliatory strike carried out after actions by Israel and the United States. Iran attacked locations hosting US bases or facilities, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
During the first attack, Ashim was in his dormitory in Al Jada District, Sharjah City. The location of the dormitory was fairly distant from the initial strike.
Things became more tense on the second and third days. He witnessed Iranian missiles being deflected by UAE defence systems in the Sharjah sky. According to him, the escalation in his area rose and fell. Local media outlets reported that Iranian missiles targeted the Office of the United States Consulate General and the port area.
The situation affected Ashim’s studies. All campus activities were shifted from face-to-face to online for a week ahead “for security reasons,” he said.
The Indonesian Embassy and the Indonesian Consulate General have adopted a Siaga III status for Indonesian citizens in the UAE since 28 February 2026 as a precaution amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Siaga III is the initial level of readiness, meaning the government asks Indonesians to heighten vigilance, limit outdoor activities, and follow local authorities’ instructions and diplomatic advisories.
Ashim noted that the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi asked Indonesians to heighten vigilance, reduce outdoor activities, and avoid locations likely to be affected. Indonesians were also asked to stay ready, including preparing an emergency bag containing important documents. “Preparation if conditions worsen at any time,” he said.
As of Sunday afternoon, the UAE Ministry of Defence said it had detected 165 ballistic missiles, destroyed 152, and intercepted two cruise missiles. At least three people in the UAE were confirmed dead and 58 others injured.