Iran-Israel Conflict: Indonesian Embassy in Tehran on High Alert, Indonesian Citizens to be Evacuated

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has declared the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Tehran, Iran, to be on level 1 alert following the increased intensity of attacks in the conflict between Iran and Israel.

"Based on the developments over the past two days, where the intensity of Israeli attacks has escalated and not only military targets were aimed but also civilian targets, I have decided to raise the alert level at the Tehran Embassy from level 2 to level 1," Sugiono stated in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday local time, June 18.

Sugiono further stated, "Then we also began to take contingency measures and evacuation steps for Indonesian citizens."

Sugiono expressed that there are currently about 380 Indonesian citizens in Iran, particularly in the Tehran area.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu RI) has instructed KBRI Tehran to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the possibilities for evacuating Indonesian citizens, as part of contingency measures in the face of increasingly unfavorable situations.

In addition, Sugiono stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in communication with neighboring countries of Iran to request ease of cross-border access if the evacuation process for Indonesian citizens needs to be carried out in the near future.

"We have also communicated with Iran's neighboring countries, seeking ease for our citizens to cross the borders when the evacuation occurs, considering the increasingly unfavorable situation," Sugiono said.

Since June 13, 2025, Israel has launched a large-scale attack on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities in several Iranian cities and high military command centers.

Iranian media reported that as of Wednesday (18/6), the death toll due to Israeli airstrikes in Tehran and other areas had reached 585 people, with 1,326 others injured. In response to Israel's attack, the Iranian military launched ballistic missiles at Israel, resulting in 24 deaths and 500 injuries.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono condemned Israel's attack on Iran that occurred on early Friday local time.

Indonesia strongly condemns Israel's attack on Iran. This action is a violation of the law and weakens the foundations of international law.

Foreign Minister to Attend OIC Conference

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that he will attend the 51st Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference, which will take place in Istanbul, Turkey on June 21-22.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Wednesday, Sugiono will present Indonesia's views on various global challenges and the Islamic world, such as the armed conflict between Iran and Israel and the resolution of the Gaza war.

Strengthening economic development cooperation, especially in eradicating poverty, will also be conveyed by the foreign minister at the meeting. Sugiono will also emphasize the urgent need for internal reform, so that the OIC becomes more responsive to global challenges and can provide concrete support for member states' development.

The issue of OIC reform is one of Indonesia's concerns, given the increasingly complex challenges faced by member countries, such as armed conflicts, terrorism, and poverty.

The participation of the Indonesian Foreign Minister in the OIC Ministerial Conference demonstrates Indonesia's commitment to contributing to creating a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous world.

The Foreign Minister's presence also reflects Indonesia's tireless diplomacy in creating peace, especially in supporting Palestinian independence, where the Indonesian Foreign Minister is one of the Special Envoys of the OIC-Arab League in the resolution of the Gaza war, as quoted.

Foreign Ministers of the OIC are expected to ratify OIC resolutions and the Istanbul Declaration, which contain joint commitments and concrete steps in responding to various global challenges and the Muslim community. It is known that Indonesia is one of the founding members of the OIC in 1969.

The OIC Ministerial Conference is an annual meeting held in turn by member countries. However, this year's conference has strategic value given the ongoing escalation of tension in the Middle East due to the Gaza war and the recent Israeli attacks on Iran. This conference will specifically discuss the Israeli attacks on Iran.

Editor's Choice: Iran May Mine Strait of Hormuz If US Backs Israel

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News