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Indonesia has begun evacuating its citizens from Iran as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic intensifies across the region.
A foreign ministry official confirmed on Friday that the evacuation process would begin in phases, with the first group of Indonesians leaving Iran the same day.
According to the official in charge of citizens’ welfare abroad, Heni Hamidah, the initial phase of the operation would involve transporting evacuees through Azerbaijan before they continue their journey home.
“The evacuation of Indonesian citizens in Iran will begin gradually today, and this first phase will be carried out via Azerbaijan,” said Hamidah.
Hamidah said the first group of 32 Indonesians was expected to arrive in Jakarta by Monday or Tuesday.
She declined to confirm reports that the evacuation would take place by land, explaining that the route would depend on the evolving security situation on the ground.
The conflict has disrupted travel across the region, leaving thousands of foreign nationals stranded as flights are cancelled and airspace closures continue.
Indonesia currently has about 329 citizens in Iran, most of whom are students in Qom.
For now, Jakarta is not considering evacuations from other Middle Eastern countries, despite roughly half a million Indonesians living across the region, according to government figures.
Meanwhile, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has offered to mediate in the escalating conflict. However, Iran’s ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, recently indicated that Tehran was not prepared to engage in negotiations with countries it considers hostile.
