Indonesia Ramps Up Iran Evacuation Amidst Escalating Tensions

Rising Concerns for Indonesian Citizens

Indonesia has elevated the alert status for its embassy located in Iran to the highest level. Following the recent rise in tensions between Iran and Israel, the nation has initiated a plan to evacuate 386 Indonesian citizens. These citizens are slated to leave the country through land routes, reaching neighboring countries.

The situation in Iran has deteriorated, posing a direct threat to the safety of civilians. Foreign Minister Sugiono has appealed for both restraint and a de-escalation of the conflict. His office had, since the highest alert was issued, been preparing evacuation plans for Indonesian residents in Iran.

“We have also communicated with several of Iran’s neighbors to plead for their assistance during the evacuation process of our citizens, as the situation has been increasingly dire. We hope this tension can be resolved soon,”

—Minister Sugiono, Foreign Minister

The minister added that the evacuation would commence on Thursday, local time, via land, because flights were “not possible during this time.” According to a recent report, over 1,600,000 people have been displaced from their homes because of conflict since the beginning of 2024 (UNHCR 2024).

Urgent Advice for Nationals

The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran has urged all Indonesian citizens currently in Iran to immediately contact the embassy. This can be done through provided phone numbers, WhatsApp hotlines, or the ministry’s online platform.

Moreover, Indonesian citizens are instructed to prepare an emergency bag. The embassy recommends including essential documents, cash, food, water, and medicine to ensure survival for a number of days.