Indonesian Military to Evacuate Citizens from Iran-Israel Conflict Zones

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Senin, 23 Juni 2025 - 15:28 WIB

Jakarta, VIVA – The Indonesian National Military (TNI) has declared its full readiness to support the Indonesian government's efforts in evacuating Indonesian citizens from areas affected by the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.

This initiative is part of the TNI's commitment to carrying out its national duties, particularly in humanitarian assistance and the protection of Indonesian nationals abroad.

Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, General Agus Subiyanto, has ordered his ranks to coordinate closely with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the smooth execution of the evacuation—from planning to on-the-ground implementation.

The TNI is also mobilizing the necessary supporting units in accordance with situational developments and the needs of the government.

Major General Kristomei Sianturi, Head of the TNI Information Center, emphasized that safeguarding Indonesian citizens overseas is a clear demonstration of the state's presence in times of crisis.

He reiterated the TNI's preparedness to carry out evacuation operations from both Iran and Israel.

“Protecting Indonesians abroad is a tangible manifestation of the government’s commitment during emergencies. In line with Article 7, Paragraph (2) of Law No. 3 of 2025, which amends Law No. 34 of 2004 on the TNI, the military is mandated to assist in protecting and rescuing citizens and national interests overseas,” said Maj. Gen. Kristomei in a statement, on last Thursday (June 19).

He added: “The TNI is ready to carry out this mission with utmost responsibility—not only to protect the people within our borders, but also in the midst of global conflict."

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are currently 578 Indonesians residing in the two countries—386 in Iran and 192 in Israel.

Of this total, 115 individuals in Iran and 11 in Israel have expressed willingness to be evacuated.

Most are students living in areas now considered high-risk.

The evacuation mission will be carried out by a 34-member Crisis Response Team (CRT) composed of TNI personnel.

The team is scheduled to depart on Friday (June 20), for Baku, Azerbaijan, with the journey expected to take approximately 30 hours.

Upon arrival in Baku, evacuees will stay for two nights before continuing their journey home aboard a commercial flight on Sunday (June 22).

Meanwhile, Indonesian nationals in Israel will be evacuated via Amman, Jordan, before being flown back to Indonesia.

As part of Indonesia’s professional, adaptive, and responsive national defense system, the TNI underscores the importance of inter-agency synergy—both domestically and internationally—to ensure the safety and security of all Indonesians caught in conflict zones.

The TNI reaffirmed that protecting Indonesian citizens, whether at home or abroad, remains a constitutional mandate that will be carried out to the fullest extent in the interest of national security and humanitarian responsibility.