Lawmaker Calls for Immediate Action to Ensure Protection of Indonesian Citizens in Syria

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Following the escalating conflict in Syria and the potential collapse of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, Indonesian lawmakers are urging the government to prioritize the safety and security of Indonesian citizens (WNI) in the war-torn country.

Marwan Jafar, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission I, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the lives of the 1,162 Indonesians currently in Syria.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Marwan stressed that in the midst of a dangerous war, the government must make the security of its citizens a top priority. He highlighted the increased risk to Indonesians following intensified clashes between forces loyal to Assad and armed opposition groups. The situation has become increasingly dire, necessitating immediate action by the Indonesian government.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Indonesian Embassy in Damascus has raised its alert status to “Level 1” for all areas of Syria. This alert is a precautionary measure due to the ongoing escalation in violence and the growing instability across the country.

Marwan Jafar has called for close coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) and the Indonesian Embassy to ensure the safety of all Indonesians living in Syria.

The legislator underscored the importance of communication between the embassy and Indonesian citizens. He stressed that it is essential for the embassy to contact all WNI in Syria to ensure they are safe.

“In such a dangerous situation, effective communication and coordination are key. Not a single Indonesian citizen should be left out of attention,” he stated.

Marwan also urged that the safety of not just their homes but also food supplies be closely monitored. He pointed out the challenges Indonesians may face in securing basic necessities in the midst of conflict, with the risk of food shortages due to the ongoing war.

Given the uncertainty and danger surrounding the situation, Marwan recommended that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy closely track the movements of WNI in Syria. He advised that, where possible, Indonesian nationals should remain indoors until the situation stabilizes. “It is safer to stay indoors for now, as the security situation remains volatile,” Marwan added.

Should the conflict worsen further and put WNI lives in imminent danger, Marwan called for swift evacuation measures. He stated that if the situation becomes more chaotic and there is a clear threat to the lives of Indonesians, immediate evacuation plans must be put into action to relocate them to safer areas.

The Indonesian government has been under increasing pressure to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad, especially as the conflict in Syria continues to impact foreign nationals. As tensions rise, Marwan Jafar’s calls for proactive measures reflect the urgency of the situation. Efforts to ensure the security of Indonesians in conflict zones have become a focal point of discussions in Jakarta as the government navigates the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to the escalating crisis by reaffirming its commitment to monitor the safety of Indonesian citizens in Syria and has pledged to continue providing updates on their situation. The embassy’s heightened alert level remains in effect as tensions in the region continue to increase.(Uki Ruknuddin)