RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Foreign Affairs Ministry has commenced the evacuation of Indonesian citizens from Iran, utilizing a land route toward Azerbaijan. This phased operation is being conducted by the government in response to the deteriorating security situation currently unfolding across the region.

Acting Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Heni Hamidah, said that the evacuation process began on Friday, March 6, 2026. In the initial phase, a primary group of 32 Indonesians departed from Iran.

“The evacuation of Indonesian citizens in Iran is being carried out in stages. This first stage is being conducted via Azerbaijan,” confirmed Heni on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The evacuees are traveling by land to the Azerbaijani border before continuing their journey to Indonesia by air. The government emphasized that the entire process is being managed with strict adherence to security protocols and the availability of reliable transportation throughout the journey.

Previously, the Indonesian Ambassador to Iran for the 2020–2025 period, Ronny Prasetyo Juliantoro, noted that the evacuation is a complex undertaking. He highlighted that security conditions in Iran have grown increasingly intense following strikes by the United States and Israel.

“There must be careful calculations regarding land transportation, ensuring it remains accessible during a wartime situation,” remarked Ronny.

He further explained that the distance between Tehran and the Azerbaijani border is approximately 500 kilometers by road. “Therefore, the preparations must be truly meticulous,” he added.

According to Foreign Affairs Ministry data from early March 2026, there are between 329 and 386 Indonesian citizens currently in Iran. The majority are students residing in the city of Qom, while others are located in Isfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)