Iran Demo Kills 500 People, House of Representatives Demands Protection of Indonesian Citizens

Iranian citizens' actions against riots and rejecting price increases. (Wikimedia Commons/Mehr News Agency/Sajjad Vesagh)

Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Oleh Soleh, responded to the massive demonstration in Iran which reportedly killed around 500 people. He asked the Indonesian government to prioritize the security and safety of Indonesian citizens (WNI).

"The safety of Indonesian citizens is the top priority. The government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must ensure that all Indonesian citizens are safe and protected," Oleh Soleh told reporters, Monday, January 12.

By Soleh, he emphasized, the escalation of demonstrations in Iran which is getting hotter and more gripping should not be taken lightly, especially for the safety of Indonesian citizens who are in conflict-prone areas.

According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) must move quickly through the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Tehran by mapping the location of Indonesian citizens, strengthening emergency communication, and preparing maximum protection measures.

"The Indonesian Embassy must actively monitor the situation and ensure that there are no Indonesian citizens at the demonstration points. The situation is very dangerous, so that there are no victims from our citizens," he said.

The PKB legislator from the West Java XII District also encouraged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare contingency plans, including the possibility of evacuation if the security situation continues to deteriorate. By Soleh emphasized, proactive steps are very important to prevent unwanted risks.

"Don't wait for the situation to get worse. The state must be present and quick to protect its citizens abroad," he said.

The member of the commission which deals with foreign affairs and defense also emphasized that Commission I of the DPR will continue to monitor the development of the situation in Iran.

"We will encourage cross-ministry coordination to ensure the safety of all Indonesian citizens," concluded Oleh Soleh.

As reported, the demonstration has spread to most parts of Iran over the past two weeks, which began in response to soaring inflation. The action then quickly turned political, with protesters demanding an end to the clerical government.