INDONESIA, RAKYAT NEWS— The Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Judha Nugraha, has issued a dire warning to all Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Lebanon. With conflict escalating dangerously in the region, he urges heightened vigilance and immediate action.

“The situation in South Lebanon is volatile. We strongly advise all Indonesian citizens there to seek refuge at the Safe House provided by our Embassy in Beirut. In emergencies, contact the KBRI Beirut hotline at (+961 7081 7310),” Judha announced in a press release on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also recommends that all Indonesians leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still operational. “Given the recent developments, we have updated our advisory for Indonesians in Lebanon. They should consider leaving the country as soon as possible,” he stressed.

Data from the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut reveals that there are currently 203 Indonesians residing in Lebanon, alongside approximately 1,232 Indonesian military personnel serving with UNIFIL. Among them, 14 Indonesians are in South Lebanon, an area severely affected by the conflict. Despite this, the Ministry and the Embassy maintain constant communication and monitoring.

“We are in continuous contact with our citizens to ensure their safety. They are currently safe and calm, though 14 Indonesians in South Lebanon have decided to stay in their homes, believing the situation is still manageable,” Judha explained.

Ananda Astralia Loesi, the Second Secretary of the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut, has also issued a strong advisory against traveling to Lebanon until the security situation stabilizes.