India-Pakistan Conflict Heats Up, Speaker Of The House Of Representatives Asks The Government To Guarantee The Safety Of Indonesian Citizens

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani expressed concern over the escalation of the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which killed dozens of civilians, including children. Puan asked the government to ensure the security of Indonesian citizens (WNI) who are trapped in war in the two countries.

Puan emphasized that the government must ensure the safety of all Indonesian citizens wherever they are. He urged Indonesian citizens to be evacuated immediately if needed.

"Wherever Indonesian citizens are, the safety of Indonesian citizens must be a priority. The government must ensure the safety and security of our citizens, both in India and in Pakistan," said Puan Maharani, Thursday, May 8.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) said that the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi and the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad had communicated with Indonesian citizens in affected areas in India and Pakistan. The Indonesian Embassy stated that all Indonesian citizens were safe.

Based on the information, there were 74 Indonesian citizens who were in Pakistan who were attacked. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi noted that as many as 11 Indonesian citizens lived inASHes that became areas of attack in India, two of whom were children.

Puan also encouraged the government to carry out more in-depth mapping, especially regarding the worst possible scenario. Puan emphasized that it is appropriate for Indonesian citizens to continue to receive protection from the Indonesian government even though they are abroad.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the TNI and other relevant agencies, according to Puan, also needs to take the safest policies for Indonesian citizens in India and Pakistan.

"It is the duty of the State to protect every Indonesian citizen, wherever they are. Including ensuring that Indonesian citizens are in a safe condition in every existing conflict," said Puan.

"And if it is based on mitigation, the situation is very urgent, the process of evacuating Indonesian citizens can be carried out from both countries," he continued.

It is known that theATAN Authority in India-controlled territory ordered the evacuation of residents in vulnerable areas due to rising tensions with Pakistan.

This follows a shootout and mutual attack that occurred on the border and offsets as a result of Indian missile attacks on several areas on the Pakistani border on Wednesday, May 7, in the early hours of the morning.

Although the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi and Islamabad confirmed that no Indonesian citizens were victims of the tensions betweenIndia and Pakistan, Puan asked the Government to consider evacuating.

"Moreover, local authorities have appealed for the evacuation of residents, and there are our residents who are in the attack area. Don't let the country be late in saving its citizens," he said.

If the evacuation of Indonesian citizens is carried out, Puan asks the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through each Indonesian Embassy to alert medical personnel and ensure that Indonesian citizens who are evacuated are in good health. According to him, the health of the evacuated Indonesian citizens must always be maintained because they travel a long way.

"Their health must be considered, there should be no Indonesian citizens who are sick during the evacuation process. The lives of our citizens are the responsibility of the state," said Puan.

"The Foreign Ministry as an extension of the government must be able to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens," he added.

Puan is also concerned about the armed conflict between the two countries in the South Asian region which is adjacent to each other. He considered that the prolonged conflict in thetensive area has become one of the vulnerable points in the South Asian region.

"As friendly countries and strategic partners, Indonesia hopes that India and Pakistan will resolve their differences through dignified and fair dialogue, by upholding humanitarian principles, international law, and protection against civilians," said Puan.

He emphasized that Indonesia as a country with active free foreign politics has an interest in maintaining regional peace and stability. Moreover, conflicts in South Asia have the potential to cause global impacts, ranging from economic disruptions, cross-border migration, to increasing geopolitical tensions.

"We urge the international community, including the United Nations, to facilitate peace negotiations between the two countries," said Puan.

The DPR also expressed solidarity with all the affected victims and families.

Puan said that the Indonesian parliament is ready to be involved through parliamentary and multilateral diplomacy, to support a sustainable peace process.

There was no victory in the war that claimed civilian casualties. Every life lost is a wound to humanity. We hope that the two countries will immediately stop attacks and military actions so that no more innocent casualties will fall," said Puan.