Jakarta, IDN Times – The Indonesian government has earned commendation for its swift and well-coordinated efforts in evacuating Indonesian citizens (WNI) from Iran. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, specifically praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their decisive action. The initial wave of 22 Indonesian nationals safely landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with the remaining 10 citizens scheduled to arrive the following day, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
“This prompt action stands as a tangible manifestation of the government’s unwavering commitment to providing maximum protection for Indonesian citizens, ensuring their safety remains the utmost priority amidst the fluid dynamics of international conflict,” stated Colonel Inf Honi Havana, Head of Public Relations, Data and Information for the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, in a press statement today.
Colonel Havana detailed the arduous journey undertaken by the 22 repatriated citizens. Their evacuation commenced with a perilous overland trip from Iran into Azerbaijan. “Following their arrival in Baku, their journey continued by air until they safely reached Jakarta,” he added, highlighting the meticulous planning involved in their return.
Emphasizing the government’s resolute stance, Coordinating Minister Djamari Chaniago reiterated that the state is actively present to safeguard all Indonesian citizens, irrespective of their location, particularly those residing in conflict-affected regions. The government’s dedication to monitoring the evolving situation in these volatile zones remains steadfast.
The Coordinating Minister further affirmed that continuous monitoring of the conflict areas will be maintained. Subsequent evacuation phases are poised for immediate implementation for any Indonesian citizens who may still be in the affected territories. Djamari also urged all Indonesian nationals situated in the Middle East conflict zones to maintain consistent coordination with local Indonesian representatives, a crucial step for ensuring their safety and the smooth execution of any future repatriation processes.
In a related development, Foreign Minister Sugiono announced the opening of a second repatriation wave for Indonesian citizens in Iran. As of Tuesday afternoon, a total of 36 Indonesian nationals had registered and formally requested their return to Indonesia. Minister Sugiono made this announcement at Soekarno-Hatta Airport while personally welcoming the first contingent of Indonesian citizens.
Minister Sugiono, who also serves as the Secretary-General of the Gerindra Party, extended a warm welcome back to the dozens of Indonesian citizens from Iran, expressing his best wishes for their reunion with families ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr 2026 celebrations. He conveyed his profound gratitude to all parties whose tireless efforts ensured the successful repatriation, including the Indonesian Embassies in Tehran and Baku, as well as the transit countries that facilitated their safe passage to Indonesia.
The severity of the situation in Iran was vividly described by former National Democrat Party politician, Zulfan Lindan, who was part of the first wave of evacuees. Lindan recounted a deeply tense atmosphere in Tehran, where missiles and bombs frequently crisscrossed the skies, accompanied by the unsettling sounds of explosions. He shared how the windows of the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran would vibrate fiercely each time a missile impacted a target, though fortunately, no Indonesian citizens within the embassy premises were harmed.
“At one point, ten bombs passed directly over the Indonesian Embassy. The impact, even from one to two kilometers away, was tremendous,” Lindan recalled, illustrating the immediate dangers. Prompted by these events, he immediately completed the registration link provided by the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran to secure his repatriation, noting that many others did not seize the opportunity. Lindan detailed his journey, which involved a grueling nine-hour overland trip from Iran to the Azerbaijan border, followed by further travel to Turkey before he could finally fly home to Indonesia. He expressed his sincere appreciation, stating, “Alhamdulillah, the Indonesian Embassies in Tehran, Azerbaijan, and even Turkey cared for us exceptionally well, without any shortcomings.”