KBRN, Jakarta: As political unrest escalates in Nepal, the Indonesian government has successfully repatriated the first group of its citizens from the country. On Thursday, 11 September 2025, eighteen Indonesian nationals departed Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, with their arrival in Jakarta scheduled for Friday, 12 September at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The evacuation marks a proactive response to growing instability in Nepal, where mass protests have turned violent following a government crackdown on social media platforms.

The repatriated group includes delegates from Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Health, GIZ Indonesia (a German development agency), the Hydro Association, and academics from Universitas Indonesia, rri.co.id reported on Friday, September 12, 2025.

They had been attending the “3rd Exchange of the Renewable Energy Mini-Grids in South-South and Triangular Cooperation (ENTRI) Program” held from September 8 to 12, 2025 in Kathmandu.

In addition to the conference participants, several Indonesian tourists were also among those assisted. The Indonesian Protection Team in Kathmandu, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has been actively monitoring the situation and coordinating safe departures.

According to Hartyo Harkomoyo, Director of Information and Media at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are currently 134 Indonesian nationals in Nepal. These include long-term residents, short-term visitors, and delegates attending international events.

The government, through its diplomatic mission in Dhaka, continues to maintain intensive communication with all Indonesian citizens in Nepal to ensure their safety.

“Whether they are residing in Nepal or visiting for specific purposes, we are committed to keeping them safe,” Hartyo stated during a press briefing in Jakarta on Thursday, as quoted by rri.co.id.

The unrest in Nepal began on Monday, 8 September 2025, when the government blocked access to 26 popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, citing non-compliance with new registration regulations. The move sparked widespread protests, primarily led by Generation Z activists, which quickly escalated into riots and looting.

Government offices and officials became targets of public anger, resulting in the deaths of 31 people and injuries to hundreds more. In the wake of the violence, Prime Minister Sharma Oli submitted his resignation to President Ram Chandra Paudel, prompting the formation of a new government.

Most Indonesian nationals in Nepal are located in Kathmandu, with others in Pokhara and Lumbini. The Indonesian Protection Team remains on the ground to oversee further evacuations and ensure the well-being of citizens still in the country. As of now, all Indonesians in Nepal are reported to be safe.

The Indonesian government’s swift response underscores its commitment to citizen protection abroad, especially in times of crisis. Further repatriation efforts are expected as the situation in Nepal continues to evolve. ***