Prioritize the Protection of 519 Thousand Indonesian Citizens in the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Intensifies Coordination with the Indonesian Embassy

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' press statement regarding the situation of Indonesian citizens in the Middle East. (Abi/Infomed/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to carry out intensive coordination with the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in the Middle East regarding the priority of protecting Indonesian citizens (WNI), in line with the escalation in the region.

The latest conflict broke out in the Middle East, along with Israeli and US attacks on Iran on Saturday that left hundreds dead, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as Gulf states that host US military assets.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures that the protection of Indonesian citizens in the Middle East remains a top priority. The number of Indonesian citizens in the Middle East reaches more than 519 thousand people. The majority are in Saudi Arabia, but we also note that there are about 329 of our citizens living in Iran," explained the Director General of Asia, Pacific, Africa of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto in a press statement at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday (7/3).

Ambassador Santo said that coordination with the Indonesian Embassy in Perwakilan RI continued to be carried out intensively, to find out the situation directly because the situation is different in each country.

"We are coordinating quite intensively, per day and even per hour with the Indonesian embassies. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia also conducted a direct zoom with the Indonesian Embassy to get direct input from the ambassadors and consuls there regarding the developing situation, especially regarding whether an evacuation is needed for our people. The Indonesian Embassy conveyed that indeed each country's conditions are different and the government's appeal directions are also different," he said.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heni Hamidah, on the same occasion said that so far there have been no reports of Indonesian citizens who have been directly affected by the mutual attacks due to the escalation in the Middle East.

"Until now, no reports have been received of Indonesian citizens who have been directly affected by the attack. Those affected are currently Indonesian citizens stranded due to restrictions or closure of airspace, flight route changes, and uncertainty about international transportation schedules," explained Heni.

Heni added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Representative ensured that Indonesian citizens who were trapped while waiting for flights would receive accommodation and lodging, as well as consumption and arrangements for the next flight schedule which was communicated to local authorities.

"(accommodation for Indonesian citizens who are trapped) from airlines and from travel, but if there is none, of course from our representatives," said Heni.