Indonesia Evacuates 30 More Nationals from War-Torn Syria

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS — The Indonesian government has successfully evacuated 30 more of its citizens from Syria, which has been severely affected by ongoing conflict. These citizens arrived safely in Indonesia on Sunday, December 15. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) continues to engage with Indonesian nationals in Syria, gathering information on their willingness to be evacuated and ensuring their safe return home.

This latest evacuation follows the return of 35 Indonesians on December 12. As a result, the total number of Indonesian nationals evacuated from Syria has reached 65.

Like the previous operation, this second wave of evacuations involved land transport. The evacuees traveled via the Masnaa border crossing into Lebanon, from where they boarded flights to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. This carefully planned process ensured their safe arrival back in Indonesia.

The evacuees come from various regions of Indonesia, including Aceh, Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, Central Sulawesi, and South Sulawesi. The group comprises 25 women and 5 men, all of whom had been living in Syria amidst the ongoing conflict.

According to the most recent data, 1,162 Indonesian citizens reside in Syria. Of these, 65 individuals have already returned to Indonesia, and an additional 84 have expressed their intention to be evacuated in the future.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Damascus (KBRI) continue to monitor the rapidly evolving security situation in Syria. The region remains unstable, especially due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. The Indonesian government has responded by maintaining a heightened security alert and ensuring continuous communication with nationals in Syria.

In response to the situation, the Indonesian government declared a Level 1 Alert across Syria on December 7. This status remains in effect as the situation continues to be fluid and unpredictable. The government has implemented a series of precautionary measures to protect its citizens.

Among these measures are intensified inter-ministerial coordination, updates to contingency plans, the identification of secure evacuation routes, and virtual meetings with Indonesian nationals in Syria. Additionally, the government is working closely with local authorities to secure safe corridors for the movement of evacuees toward the border.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Indonesian nationals in Syria to remain vigilant and stay informed about security developments. They are urged to avoid high-risk areas, limit unnecessary movement, and maintain communication with KBRI Damascus and other fellow nationals. Families with loved ones in Syria are also encouraged to reach out for assistance through the provided emergency hotlines. (Uki Ruknuddin)