There Are 203 Indonesian Citizens In Lebanon, The Indonesian Embassy In Beirut Coordinates Contingency Steps With Indonesian Representatives In Neighboring Countries

Dir. PWNI Kemlu RI Judha Nugraha. (VOI/Fauzi)

JAKARTA - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Beirut, Lebanon has issued an appeal to Indonesian citizens (WNI) in the country, coordinating contingency steps with representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, neighboring countries, said the Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"There are 204 Indonesian citizens in Lebanon, excluding the TNI contingent at UNIFIL (about 1,232 personnel)," Judha said in a short message to VOI, as quoted Tuesday, August 6.

He explained that the contingent of UN peacekeeping troops from Indonesia was still on duty in accordance with the command of UNIFIL.

The situation in the Middle East, which has been strained by the Israeli conflict with Hamas in Gaza, as well as attacking each other against Israel with the Hezbollah and Houthi militias. Threatened to become an open war that widened, after the death of senior commander Hezbollah Fuad Shukr as a result of an Israeli attack on Beirut, as well as the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran.

A number of countries have ordered their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, anticipating an open war in the region. Meanwhile, those who wish to travel are advised to postpone their trip.

Previously, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its appeal asked Indonesian citizens not to travel to Lebanon, Iran and Israel for a while, until security conditions improved.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed to Indonesian citizens in the region to increase vigilance and follow the contingency steps directed by representatives of the Republic of Indonesia.

Especially for Indonesian citizens in Lebanese territory, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed to them to leave Lebanese territory immediately.

"The contingency plan has been prepared by the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut and has been coordinated with the surrounding Indonesian Representatives," said Judha.

As previously reported, a surge in passengers occurred at Beirut Raff Hariri International Airport, along with the appeal of a number of countries to their citizens to leave Lebanon. This was followed by a surge in plane ticket prices, amid the lack of flight schedules due to fears of an open war.