Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono Emphasizes Protection of Indonesian Citizens as a Top Priority, Requests Indonesian Representatives in the Middle East to be on Alert

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono. (Laily Rachev.Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden)

JAKARTA - The protection of Indonesian citizens (WNI) is the top priority amid the escalating situation in the Middle East, with the government preparing evacuation measures through the Indonesian Representative in the region if needed, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono.

In a post on social media, Foreign Minister Sugiono revealed that he led a virtual meeting with the heads of the Indonesian Representative in the Middle East, to discuss the escalation in the region.

"I emphasize that the protection of Indonesian citizens is the top priority, and ask all Indonesian Representatives to remain on alert and update contingency measures according to the development of the situation," tweeted the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs as quoted on Wednesday (4/3).

"I also appreciate the hard work of my colleagues at the Indonesian Representative in ensuring that protection services for Indonesian citizens in their respective work areas run optimally," he continued.

In the evening, after accompanying President Prabowo Subianto in a meeting with a number of former presidents and vice presidents, former foreign ministers and senior diplomats as well as political party leaders at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Foreign Minister Sugiono said the Indonesian government was moving quickly in responding to the situation, preparing the evacuation of Indonesian citizens from Iran.

"I chaired a virtual meeting with the heads of the Indonesian Representative in the Middle East (3/3) to discuss the escalation of the situation in the region.

"I emphasize that the protection of Indonesian citizens is the top priority, and ask all Indonesian Representatives to continue to be on alert and update ... pic.twitter.com/CudCLPIkNN

— Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (@Menlu_RI) March 3, 2026

"In the midst of the escalating escalation, this afternoon I have also ordered our ambassador in Tehran to take immediate evacuation measures if there are indeed Indonesian people who want to be evacuated," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

As a preliminary stage, the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran has confirmed that at least 15 Indonesian citizens are ready to be evacuated. However, the evacuation process is carried out through Baku City in Azerbaijan.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono leads coordination with the Head of the Indonesian Representative in the Middle East. (Twitter/@Menlu_RI) 2

"The evacuation from Tehran, they have to be brought to Baku (Azerbaijan). From Tehran to Baku it is a 10-hour road trip," said the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that not all Indonesian citizens in conflict-affected areas chose to leave Iran.

According to him, the government respects the decision of each citizen. However, for those who feel the need to return to their homeland, the country ensures that the process is facilitated.

"It should be noted that not all of the Indonesian citizens in the affected areas then expressed a desire to be evacuated. But it was conveyed that there were some who were willing to be evacuated from the Iranian region and I ordered them to carry out the gradual evacuation," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Evacuation will be carried out gradually, taking into account the security situation on the ground. The government continues to monitor the latest developments, given the dynamic and potentially changing conditions in the region at any time.

However, Foreign Minister Sugiono admitted that the future situation is still difficult to predict. Therefore, preparedness is the key.

He emphasized the President's direction for all levels of government to prepare for all possibilities.

"I think the situation in the future will continue to develop, we will see what will happen. But the President also conveyed that whatever happens, we must be ready to face all possibilities," he said.