Indonesia Mobilizes Evacuation Flights Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, Indonesia is preparing to bring its citizens home. The Indonesian Air Force is readying aircraft to evacuate nationals from the volatile Middle East, focusing on students in vulnerable areas. The situation demands immediate action to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens abroad.
Air Force Prepares for Evacuation
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has readied transport aircraft for the evacuation of Indonesian nationals from Iran and Israel. According to TNI-AU spokesperson, **First Marshall I Nyoman Suadnyana**, both C-130 Hercules and Boeing aircraft are available for the mission. The Air Force awaits orders from TNI Headquarters.
“We have prepared both C-130 Hercules and Boeing (for the evacuation mission),”
—First Marshall I Nyoman Suadnyana, TNI-AU spokesperson
Commander of the Indonesian Military (**General Agus Subiyanto**) has stationed 34 crisis response team personnel in Jakarta. They are prepared for immediate deployment if needed. The Foreign Ministry has identified 115 Indonesians in Iran and 11 in Israel ready for evacuation. The number of people in need of evacuation is increasing day by day. More than 100,000 people have been displaced due to the recent escalation of conflicts in the region (UN OCHA, 2023).
Evacuation Plans in Action
The evacuees, primarily students, are located in high-risk areas. Those in Iran are scheduled to travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, before flying to Jakarta. Meanwhile, Indonesian citizens in Israel will be evacuated to Indonesia via Amman, Jordan.
Conflict Escalation
The Iran-Israel conflict intensified following surprise attacks by Tel Aviv on Tehran’s nuclear sites and military facilities on June 13. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets on Friday evening. A senior Iranian military official, **General Ahmad Vahidi**, stated that the strikes, known as Operation True Promise III, would continue.
The situation remains fluid, with Indonesian authorities prioritizing the safety of their citizens caught in the crossfire. The evacuation operation reflects the nation’s commitment to protecting its people amidst international turmoil.
