Story of Indonesian Student Evacuated from Iran: Heard Loud Blast Near Indonesian Embassy

Hukkam, a 25-year-old Indonesian citizen (WNI) studying in Tehran, Iran, remains vividly aware of the tense situation in the country due to escalating conflict with the United States and Israel.

Recently, he was gathered together with several other Indonesian citizens at the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Tehran when they suddenly heard an extremely loud explosion not far from where they were assembled.

“From the beginning of our gathering, there were already attacks near the Embassy, perhaps around one kilometre or several kilometres away,” Hukkam said when encountered upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

“The most recent situation saw a seven-day closure beginning from the 2nd of Ramadan. How long it will continue has not yet been determined,” he stated.

Despite the escalating conflict, Hukkam noted that life for residents in the Iranian capital remained relatively normal. Shops selling essential goods continued operating late into the evening, and residents continued their daily activities.

However, the conflict impacted the rising cost of essential goods.

“Prices have increased now because of economic instability from the war,” Hukkam explained.

Additionally, access to communications in Iran was temporarily restricted by the government, rendering the internet network unstable.

“Sometimes when I send a WhatsApp message now, it only arrives the next evening,” he said.

Now that he has arrived in Indonesia, Hukkam hopes the situation in Iran improves soon so he can return to continue his studies in Tehran.

“If the situation becomes safe, God willing, I will return to Iran,” he stated.

A total of 22 Indonesian citizens evacuated from Iran arrived at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 at 18:09 WIB (Western Indonesia Time).

“This afternoon, 22 WNI have returned in this first wave. Tomorrow, 10 more will depart from Iran,” said Sugiono at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang on Tuesday.

Additionally, the government continues to open the evacuation process for other Indonesian citizens who wish to return to Indonesia. He noted that currently, dozens of Indonesian citizens have registered for participation in subsequent waves.

“For the second wave, currently there are 36 Indonesian citizens who have registered to be evacuated from Iran,” he stated.