State Protection in Conflict Zones

Protection of Indonesian nationals must be continuously strengthened, transitioning from merely incidental responses to an institutionalised and sustainable policy culture.

Mataram — As military escalation once again reddens the skies over the Middle East, anxiety extends far beyond Tehran, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi. Its tremors reach into family homes across Indonesia, including in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

Mobile phones become both reassurance and source of worry. A single message saying “safe” can soothe nerves. Yet prolonged silence without news can trigger deep anxiety.

The open conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran since late February 2026 has triggered airspace closures across several Gulf nations. The consequences have been swift and tangible.

International flights have been disrupted, some cancelled, some rerouted. In such circumstances, guarantees of security for Indonesian nationals become a matter of state credibility.

Data from the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran indicates 329 registered Indonesian nationals (WNI) are in Iran, six of whom are temporarily housed at the embassy after losing their accommodation due to dormitory evacuations.

This figure may be larger considering some Indonesians have not yet reported their presence. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah records approximately 58,873 Indonesian pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia based on the Computerised System for Integrated Umrah and Special Hajj Management (Siskopatuh). These figures are not mere statistics. Behind them lie families, hometowns, and hopes for safe returns.

For NTB, this issue carries particular significance. The Mataram City Government records 238 migrant workers from the city in the Middle East, with 199 in Saudi Arabia, 33 in the United Arab Emirates, four in Kuwait, and two in Bahrain.

The NTB Provincial Government has also moved quickly to coordinate with ambassadors in the region to ensure the safety of its citizens. This response demonstrates that citizen protection does not end at territorial boundaries.