Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - Ten Indonesian nationals were evacuated from northern Yemen due to the deteriorating security situation in the country.
Judha Nugraha, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the evacuees—nine students and one migrant worker—arrived safely on Thursday afternoon.
They will be returned to their hometowns in Banten, Jakarta, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, Central Sulawesi, and South Sulawesi.
According to Nugraha, the ten nationals were part of the first evacuation wave, which targeted 14 Indonesians in northern Yemen. Four chose to remain in Tarim, a town in southern Yemen.
In the second wave, the government plans to evacuate another 18 Indonesians after they complete immigration procedures required by Yemeni authorities.
"The Indonesian government is currently planning to facilitate the second wave of evacuation. So far, 18 Indonesian citizens have expressed their willingness to return—most of whom are women, children, and the elderly," Nugraha added.
Baca juga: Tim SAR evakuasi 15 penumpang kapal wisata kandas
On May 17 and 18, the government evacuated citizens from northern Yemen to a safe house in Tarim, operated by the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat.
The evacuees then continued their journey to Salalah, Oman, on May 21, before departing for Jakarta.
In response to the worsening security in northern Yemen, the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat has raised the alert to Level I for the region, which includes Hudaidah, Sana'a, Dhamar, Taizz, and Turbah.
Baca juga: Kapal feri tenggelam di Penajam, penumpang dievakuasi
Nugraha said the government has implemented several protective measures, including updating data on Indonesian citizens in the region, revising contingency plans, and coordinating with local authorities to ensure a safe corridor.
He urged Indonesian citizens in or planning to travel to Yemen to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk or crowded areas, limit unnecessary movement, and stay in close contact with the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat.
The security situation has worsened due to ongoing airstrikes between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi group, stemming from Israel’s offensive and blockade of Gaza.
