Retno Marsudi Addresses Indonesian Protection in Light of Middle East Escalation

Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, Leads Efforts to Protect Indonesian Citizens Amid Middle East Conflict Escalation

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi took charge on Thursday, May 2, 2024, as she led a coordination meeting with several heads of Indonesian representatives in Ankara, Turkiye, to finalize steps to protect Indonesian citizens amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The situation in the region has been increasingly dynamic, prompting Indonesia to prepare itself for the worst-case scenario, including safeguarding Indonesian citizens residing in conflict-prone areas.

“Thorough preparation is always necessary and must be prioritized so we don’t falter if the situation ever worsens,” Minister Retno emphasized during the meeting.

According to records from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are a significant number of Indonesian citizens living in conflict-prone areas in the Middle East. This includes 1,524 people in Jordan, 131 people in the West Bank and Israel, 15,708 people in Egypt, 217 people in Lebanon, 1,232 UNIFIL Task Force personnel, 2,361 people in Syria, 4,866 people in Yemen, and approximately 796 people in Iraq.

Following the coordination meeting, Retno continued her diplomatic agenda in Turkey by meeting with Indonesian honorary consuls in the country. Recognizing the vast territory of Turkiye, Retno highlighted the importance of having additional support beyond the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara and the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul. As a result, the Indonesian government has appointed five honorary consuls, Turkish citizens tasked with assisting in protecting Indonesian nationals and promoting economic cooperation.

“During the meeting, I explained the direction of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Turkiye and expressed my gratitude for their role in assisting Indonesia’s diplomatic, consular, and economic missions in Turkiye,” Retno stated.

Prior to this, Retno Marsudi had fruitful discussions with Turkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Turkiye Defense Minister Yasar Guler to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries and address global issues of mutual concern.

The Indonesian government’s proactive approach in safeguarding its citizens and strengthening diplomatic ties with Turkiye reflects its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indonesian nationals abroad. As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, Indonesia’s efforts to protect its citizens and promote peace and stability in the region are crucial in navigating through these challenging times.