Middle East conflict intensifies, Indonesia prepares evacuation of Indonesian citizens from Iran

Jakarta — Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said the government has begun preparing evacuation measures for Indonesian nationals in Iran amid the escalations in the Middle East. He said instructions had been given directly to the Indonesian ambassador in Tehran to anticipate the worst-case scenarios and to undertake immediate evacuation steps for any Indonesians who wish to be evacuated.

‘Today I have instructed our ambassador in Tehran to take immediate evacuation steps if there are Indonesians who wish to be evacuated,’ Sugiono told reporters at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday night, 3 March. He noted that not all Indonesians in affected areas had requested to return, but some had expressed willingness to be evacuated and the process would be phased.

‘From all Indonesians in the affected areas, not everyone has signalled a desire to be evacuated. However, a number have indicated their willingness to leave Iran. I have ordered that the phased evacuation be carried out. I expect the situation to continue evolving, and we will monitor developments,’ he said.

Sugiono added that President Prabowo Subianto had reminded government ministers to prepare for a range of possible impacts from the conflict. On diplomacy, he said he had spoken directly with Iran’s foreign minister. In their discussions, both sides outlined their respective positions regarding the escalation. Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity and urged a return to diplomacy. ‘We emphasise again our respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of every nation, and the importance of returning to the negotiating table,’ he said. ‘We also conveyed again the President’s preference for Indonesia to serve as a mediator in efforts to cool and de‑escalate the situation in the region,’ Sugiono concluded.

In other remarks, Prabowo Subianto convened a gathering of cross‑generational figures and party leaders at the Istana in Jakarta on Tuesday. Sugiono disclosed that 15 Indonesian nationals in Tehran had expressed readiness to be evacuated following the intensification of the Middle East crisis. He also indicated that the President is prepared to take on a mediating role if Iran and the United States are willing to explore mediation. Separately, Bahlil Lahadalia announced plans to boost the national oil and fuel storage capacity from around 25‑26 days of supply to 90 days, roughly three months. NasDem Chairman Surya Paloh said Prabowo’s foreign policy of an independent and proactive diplomacy remains active amid the regional tensions.