Indonesia has called on the United States and Israel to immediately cease their military attacks on Iran, while simultaneously urging Tehran to refrain from targeting neighboring Gulf countries, as the ongoing conflict continues to threaten regional stability and civilian safety.
In an official statement released on Monday, March 9, 2026, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for all parties to respect fundamental principles of international law. “Indonesia reiterates the obligation of all parties to uphold the principles of international law, in particular the prohibition on the use of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” the ministry declared.
The statement reflects Jakarta’s longstanding position of non-alignment and advocacy for peaceful resolution through dialogue, particularly in light of the severe escalation that began with a major US-Israeli strike on Iran on February 28, 2026. That operation reportedly killed more than 1,200 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over 150 schoolgirls, and several high-ranking military officials.
Iran responded with large-scale retaliatory barrages targeting US military bases, diplomatic facilities, and personnel across the region, as well as strikes on multiple Israeli cities. At least seven US service members have been confirmed killed in the Iranian counterattacks.
A senior Indonesian Foreign Ministry official told the Jakarta Globe that 32 Indonesian citizens evacuated from Iran are expected to arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday. The group reached Baku, Azerbaijan, where they are currently undergoing medical checks before completing their journey home.
The evacuations form part of a broader regional effort by Asian governments to safeguard their nationals amid the intensifying war. Several neighboring countries have reported similar operations:
The Philippines successfully evacuated 11 nationals from Iran, according to Inquirer Global Nation.
Malaysia and Thailand have coordinated repatriation flights and border crossings for their citizens.
Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office announced plans to operate one chartered flight each from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to bring Japanese nationals out of the conflict zone.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed the safe arrival of the first group of 29 Thai nationals at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday after evacuation via Turkey. A second group of 23 is scheduled to arrive on March 10, followed by a third group of approximately 75 nationals — mostly students — on March 11. The latter group will travel by road from Tehran and Qom to the Turkish border before flying home, the Thai Foreign Ministry stated in a release quoted by local daily The Nation.
Separately, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a phone conversation with his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, on Monday. According to Yonhap News Agency and Seoul’s Foreign Ministry, Cho called for enhanced international cooperation to ensure stable energy supplies to South Korea and the safe return of Korean citizens caught in the conflict zone.
Cho expressed deep concern over civilian casualties and damage to civilian facilities and energy infrastructure in Qatar and other Gulf states, offering condolences on behalf of the South Korean government.
The diplomatic and evacuation activities underscore the growing alarm across Asia over the conflict’s spillover effects. With global oil prices surging past $100 per barrel and reports of disruptions — including the partial or full closure of the Strait of Hormuz — energy-dependent economies in the region face heightened risks of supply shortages, inflation, and economic instability.
Indonesia’s balanced appeal for restraint from both sides aligns with ASEAN’s traditional emphasis on neutrality and peaceful dispute resolution, even as individual member states prioritize citizen safety and economic security. As the war enters its second week with no immediate signs of de-escalation, Asian governments continue to monitor developments closely while expanding consular support and contingency planning for their nationals in the Middle East.
