Indonesia Readies Evacuation Plan Amid Rising Middle East tensions

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has begun evacuating its citizens from Iran while renewing calls for restraint amid escalating military exchanges involving United States and Israel, which have heightened tensions across the Gulf region.

According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first phase of evacuating 32 Indonesian nationals from Iran began on Friday, March 6, 2026, via Azerbaijan, with their arrival expected later this week.

The Indonesian government said it continues to closely monitor the impact of the conflict on its citizens across the Middle East while preparing contingency measures if further repatriation becomes necessary.

“The Government of Indonesia continues to closely monitor the impact of the conflict on Indonesian citizens in the region and has prepared contingency measures should repatriation from various countries become necessary,” the ministry said in a written statement monitored in Jakarta on Monday, March 9, as quoted by Antara.

Based on reports from Indonesian diplomatic missions in the region, Jakarta also expressed deep concern over the widening tensions and their potential impact on stability in the Gulf.

“The Government of Indonesia calls on the United States and Israel to stop attacks on Iran,” the ministry said in a statement posted on social media platform X.

Indonesia also urged Iran “to stop attacks targeting neighboring countries in the region,” including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.

Indonesia reiterated that all parties must uphold international law, particularly the prohibition on the use of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

In addition to calling for restraint, Jakarta urged immediate de-escalation and encouraged the parties involved to resume negotiations through dialogue and diplomacy.

Earlier on February 28, the United States and Israel launched a series of strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing reported damage and casualties, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran later retaliated with attacks targeting Israeli territory as well as US military facilities in several Gulf countries.

Responding to the escalating conflict, Indonesia also stated on February 28 that it was ready to facilitate negotiations between the parties involved in order to restore stable security conditions in the region. ***