Although Riots In France Are Starting To Subside, The Safety Of Indonesian Citizens Must Remain A State Priority

Riots due to Nahel's shooting. (Wikimedia Commons/Toufic-de-Planoise)

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani encouraged the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in France to continue to monitor the condition of Indonesian citizens (WNI) following the widespread riots and clashes in the country following the death of a teenager.

"The safety of Indonesian citizens in France must be a top priority. The government must guarantee that our citizens will not be affected by the widespread unrest in France," said Puan, Tuesday, July 4.

As is known, riots in France were triggered by police shootings that left 17-year-old youth dead on 27 June. The incident caused mobs and riots in several major French cities since 28 June 2023 and continues to grow, including in Paris on Friday (30/6).

Based on the records of the Indonesian Embassy, the number of Indonesian citizens in France has reached 4,000 people and is spread across several cities. Therefore, Puan asked the embassy to continue to provide services to Indonesian citizens in France, especially those located close to riots.

"Do not let Indonesian citizens whose residences are affected by riots have difficulty getting their needs. This must also be the focus of the Indonesian Embassy in ensuring the needs of our citizens there," explained Puan.

Puan also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) to continue to monitor the situation in France and make diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Indonesian citizens.

"The Foreign Ministry must also make diplomatic efforts to the French government to ensure that Indonesian citizens who are there receive protection and avoid clashes," said Puan.

Puan also asked the Government to consider issuing a temporary travel warning to Indonesian citizens who want to leave or take a vacation to France. Puan said anticipation was needed for the safety of the Indonesian people.

"If necessary and the situation is increasingly unsafe, then the Government needs to issue a travel warning for Indonesian citizens for a while until the unrest in France subsides. This aims to maintain the safety of our own citizens," he said.

Riots in France have caused 7 countries to issue travel advisory and warning. The seven countries are Britain, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, Scotland and Iran.

"I ask our citizens in France to continue to be aware of the impact of widespread unrest. Keep safe, don't travel if it's not urgent. Wait for the situation in France to be conducive," said Puan.

The Indonesian Embassy in France has also appealed to Indonesian citizens through official social media accounts. The message also conveyed an emergency hotline number for Indonesian citizens who need protection.

Puan asked the Indonesian people who had difficulty contacting their family or relatives in France to access the hotline number.

"Make sure the condition of the family, colleagues, friends, and relatives in France are in a safe condition," said the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI.

In riots in France, the masses did not just carry out protests. They also carried out rampant, looting and arson. These events occurred in dozens of cities and mad cities throughout France, such as in Paris and its surroundings, Lyon, Strasbourg, Metz, Marseille, and others.

The impact of the riots included fires at 2,560 points in public areas, 1,350 vehicles burned, and 234 buildings damaged and burned. In addition, 994 people were arrested and 79 security forces were injured in riots in France.

"We hope that the government will continue to monitor and coordinate with the French government regarding this condition," concluded Puan.