US and Israel Strike Iran; Indonesian Citizens and Students in Turkey Urged to Exercise Caution

The United States and Israel have attacked Iran, and Gulf states around the region are urging diplomacy to ease tensions in the Middle East. Turkey borders Iran. Indonesian citizens and students living and studying in Turkey have been urged to stay vigilant, even though the situation remains stable. ‘In Turkey it is safe, Alhamdulillah; nothing untoward is heard, all is normal,’ said Muhammad Jundi Rabbani, an Acehnese student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at Sakarya University, to Media Indonesia on Wednesday, 4 March. He added that although security conditions in Turkey are still conducive, all Indonesian nationals including students have received a warning from the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara to heighten vigilance. The warning has been circulated through several WhatsApp groups of Indonesian communities and on social media. All Indonesians living abroad or students across various universities and cities have been asked to exercise caution about possible unwanted incidents. ‘Just a warning to exercise greater caution. In light of the heightened security situation in the Middle East, all Indonesians in Turkey are urged to increase vigilance, stay calm and not panic. They should follow authorities’ directions and maintain contact with RI representatives,’ the youth from Pidie Regency added. A final-year student in the Ilahiyat (religious studies) department living in Sakarya also said that all Indonesians should coordinate with the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara on the emergency hotline +90 532 135 22 98 or KJRI Istanbul +90 534 453 56 11. They may also coordinate with the WNI Protection Task Force in their respective areas. For those planning travel to or through the affected area, they should first contact the airline for the latest information. Stay vigilant. Safety is the top priority, the youth from Pidie emphasised. Data compiled by Media Indonesia shows Indonesian students in Turkey number around 4,000–8,000 in the 2024/2025 academic year, spread across major cities and student towns, with many concentrated in Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Sakarya and Eskişehir. The escalation of the Middle East conflict involving Iran and the United States is widening and affecting several Gulf states. Foreign Minister Sugiono said that 15 Indonesian citizens in Tehran have expressed readiness to be evacuated following the intensification of the Middle East conflict. The Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation of Indonesians in Saudi Arabia in light of the escalation. The Foreign Ministry, together with all RI delegations in the Middle East, continues to strengthen communication and coordination with Indonesians in affected areas. Cambodian authorities have arrested 81 foreigners linked to a romance scam network. Following a large operation, around 223,610 foreign nationals were reported to have fled the country.