Update on the Fate of Indonesians Amid Middle East War: 2,999 Successfully Return Home
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has confirmed that 2,999 Indonesian citizens (WNI) have been successfully repatriated from the Middle East amid the heated situation. All of these WNI are now in safe condition, and there are no longer any stranded as of 29 April 2026.
Director of WNI Protection at Kemlu RI, Heni Hamidah, stated that the repatriations were carried out through evacuation schemes as well as independent repatriation, including for TNI personnel involved in the UNIFIL mission.
Regarding the evacuation of WNI from Iran, Heni emphasised that Kemlu has conducted three stages of repatriation. In the final stage, 13 WNI arrived in Indonesia on 21 April 2026.
“As of 29 April 2026, there are no longer any stranded WNI. A total of 2,999 WNI have been facilitated for both evacuation and independent repatriation,” Heni said during a press conference in Central Jakarta on Thursday (30/4/2026).
She explained that the situation in the Middle East region, particularly in Gulf countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is gradually stabilising and conducive. There have been no reports of missile or drone attacks in recent days, and public activities, including most airspace, are returning to normal.
Nevertheless, two airports remain non-operational, namely Manama Airport in Bahrain and Baghdad Airport in Iraq. The government continues to urge WNI to heighten vigilance and maintain communication with the nearest Indonesian representatives.
“The situation in the Middle East is monitored to be gradually stabilising, but vigilance is still required,” she stressed.
Kemlu ensures intensive coordination continues with various parties, including airlines, to guarantee the safe process of WNI repatriation. In emergency situations, WNI are also urged to immediately contact the hotline of Indonesian representatives or the WNI protection centre.