January 15, 2026 | 10:08 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Foreign Minister Sugiono has acknowledged difficulties in maintaining communication with Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Iran amid the country’s ongoing security and political unrest over the past several weeks.
The situation has complicated efforts to directly monitor the condition of Indonesians living in several affected areas.
Despite these challenges, Sugiono said there have been no reports of Indonesian citizens being directly impacted by the unrest. Most Indonesians in Iran are students, primarily concentrated in the cities of Qom and Isfahan.
“Communication with Iran is somewhat difficult, but based on the latest information I have received, most Indonesian citizens there are students based in Qom and Isfahan,” Sugiono said during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Cautionary Advisory for Indonesian Citizens
Although the situation remains relatively under control, Sugiono urged Indonesian citizens in Iran to remain vigilant.
He advised them to closely monitor security developments and avoid areas that could potentially become sites of demonstrations or unrest.
“To all Indonesian citizens in Iran, please remain cautious, follow developments, and avoid locations or points where demonstrations may occur,” he said.
As a preventive measure, the Indonesian government has instructed its diplomatic mission in Tehran to prepare contingency plans should conditions deteriorate.
Sugiono said he has directed the Indonesian ambassador to Iran to be ready to take immediate action, including evacuation, if required.
“I have also instructed our ambassador in Tehran to prepare measures in case evacuation becomes necessary at any time,” he said.
However, Sugiono emphasized that evacuation is not currently deemed necessary and expressed hope that Indonesian citizens would follow official advisories while continuing their daily activities with caution.
Current Situation in Iran
In a written statement released on Monday, January 12, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that communication between the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran and Indonesian citizens, particularly those in Qom and Isfahan, indicated no significant security disturbances.
Based on this assessment, the government concluded that evacuation was not required at this stage.
The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran has also advised Indonesians planning to travel to Iran to postpone their trips until the security situation stabilizes.
Iran has been experiencing a wave of protests since December 28, which began at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar before spreading to several other cities.
The demonstrations were triggered by the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions, including soaring inflation and rising food prices.
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