Indonesia Intensifies Monitoring of Migrant Workers Amid Middle East Tensions

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - As geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, Indonesia has stepped up efforts to safeguard its citizens working in the region. The Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection (P2MI) announced that it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI).

Deputy Minister Christina Aryani, speaking in Tangerang on Thursday, March 5, 2026, said the government has launched maximum oversight measures to maintain protection and services for Indonesians abroad.

“The Directorate General of Protection has held intensive meetings with our representatives in several Middle Eastern countries that may be affected. We have also opened a hotline and established a crisis center to respond to emergencies,” she explained, as quoted by Antara.

Christina emphasized that the ministry is coordinating with Indonesian embassies and consulates in affected countries to track developments in real time. So far, she noted, there have been no reports of Indonesian workers harmed by the unfolding conflict. “Up to now, there have been no complaints or incidents reported involving our migrant workers,” she said.

According to the ministry data, around 200 Indonesians -- both registered and unregistered -- are believed to be working in or around Tehran, Iran. While Iran is not an official placement country for Indonesian workers, some individuals may have relocated there from other postings. The deputy minister clarified that the figure includes embassy staff and other nationals, not just registered migrant workers.

To strengthen preparedness, the Ministry of P2MI is forming a Crisis Monitoring Team tasked with daily risk assessments, updating worker data for potential evacuation, issuing safety guidelines, and maintaining a dedicated hotline for the Middle East. The ministry is also preparing psychological support services, including online counseling, for workers affected by the uncertainty.

The deputy minister stressed that Indonesia is ready to facilitate the safe return of workers if necessary. “This is not the first time Indonesia has prepared for evacuation. We have carried out such operations before during times of war and conflict. The important thing is that the government is ready should the situation worsen,” she concluded. ***