Indonesia Weighs Evacuation Amid Escalating Iran-Israel Conflict

Jakarta Monitors Situation as Regional Tensions Rise

Indonesia is holding off on evacuating its citizens from Iran, despite other nations calling for their people to leave. Concerns continue to grow over ongoing attacks between Iran and Israel, which are threatening to escalate the conflict further.

Government’s Cautious Stance

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has stated that Iran’s security status remains at a level two alert. Contingency plans have been prepared to respond to any worsening conditions. Officials have been in contact with Indonesian citizens in Iran to assess their situations and relay embassy support, according to the ministry’s citizen protection director, Judha Nugraha.

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“Coordination with relevant ministries and agencies have also taken place to ensure that Indonesian citizens will be received well back home whenever an evacuation order has been issued by the government,”

—Judha Nugraha, Foreign Ministry

At least 386 Indonesian citizens are living in Iran; many are students in Qom. Also, 194 Indonesians are in Israel, mainly students on internships. The United Nations estimates that over 1,000 civilians have been killed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2024 (UN Report).

Regional Tensions

The Indonesian embassies in Tehran and Amman keep in close contact with citizens in both nations, advising them to be very careful. Travelers are also cautioned against visiting Iran, Israel, and other high-risk countries, as reported by the Foreign Ministry. Mohammad Boroujerdi, Iran’s ambassador to Indonesia, said Tehran would aid in evacuating Indonesian citizens should an order be issued.

With no signs of de-escalation, tensions are on the rise. As nations prepare for the worst, many residents are leaving the region. Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono will attend the OIC meeting in Istanbul to discuss the situation, supporting the stance that more attacks will destabilize the region.