ACEH, RAKYAT NEWS – Two students from Aceh, Indonesia, were welcomed home after being evacuated from Lebanon due to escalating violence in the region. The students arrived at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in Aceh Besar, greeted by representatives from the Aceh Social Service Agency, On October 13, 2024.

The evacuation was part of a coordinated effort by the Indonesian government to assist its citizens amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

Fajri Mursyidan, a Sub-Coordinator at the Aceh Social Service Agency, confirmed that the students’ return was facilitated by the Aceh government, following a previous evacuation of another student on October 9.

The students, Zainal Abidin from Bener Meriah and Wahyu Hidayatullah from Aceh Barat Daya, joined Muhammad Alhafidz Luthfi, who had returned earlier.

Mursyidan stated that a total of three students had been successfully evacuated so far, with more assistance available if necessary.

The students were among those who had been living in Lebanon, which has experienced intense military actions.

According to Zainal Abidin, the situation in Lebanon had deteriorated significantly, with daily attacks not limited to border areas but also spreading into urban regions such as Dahieh, near Beirut.

In light of the ongoing hostilities, the Indonesian government has urged all citizens in Lebanon to return home until the situation stabilizes.

Zainal expressed relief at being back in Aceh, noting that it would ease concerns for his family and friends. He emphasized the importance of returning to Lebanon only when it is safe to do so.