Testimony of Indonesian Citizen in Tehran: Missiles Strike Imam Khomeini Airport Daily
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are far more than television headlines for Tetap Segar, 58, an aircraft technician from Tangerang Regency, Banten. He has experienced firsthand how Tehran’s skies have been roiled by nearly daily missile bombardments.
Segar was among 22 Indonesian citizens in the first evacuation wave who successfully arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Tuesday, 10 March 2026. He recounted how the security situation in Iran had become inhospitable for foreign nationals.
Working as an aircraft technician placed Segar at critical locations: Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) and Mehrabad Airport (THR). Both sites witnessed air strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian territory.
“Almost every day attacks occurred. My workplace was right at the international and domestic airports, so I directly witnessed the missile bombardments,” Segar said upon arrival in Indonesia.
Despite the tense situation, Segar noted a peculiar phenomenon: local residents appeared accustomed to the sound of explosions. However, for foreign workers, the uncertainty prompted his company to halt all technical operations entirely and confine workers to barracks.
Alert Status: Over recent weeks, Segar’s company imposed high alert status, suspending all technical operations to prevent casualties in the airport area.
Recognising the unrelenting situation, Segar registered with the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, choosing the government repatriation route as he felt it safer and better coordinated.
Segar and his 21 colleagues’ journey home was not brief. They had to follow evacuation routes through Baku, Azerbaijan, before flying via Turkish Airlines to Jakarta. Throughout the process, embassy staff provided comprehensive assistance to ensure the safety of the Indonesian citizens.
Foreign Minister Sugiono, who received the group, stated that the government’s efforts did not end with the first wave. Currently, close coordination continues with Indonesian representatives abroad to monitor remaining trapped citizens.
“This afternoon 22 Indonesian citizens returned in the first wave. Tomorrow, 10 more are scheduled to depart from Iran,” Foreign Minister Sugiono explained. Overall, 36 Indonesian citizens have registered for repatriation in the second phase.
The Indonesian government continues urging all Indonesian citizens in conflict zones to remain vigilant and immediately contact the Indonesian Embassy if situations in their respective areas deteriorate further.