Foreign Ministry Continues to Pay Close Attention to Indonesian Citizens Abroad

Minister of Foreign Affairs answers reporters’ questions after a limited meeting, Monday (11/5). (Photo by: Ibrahim/PR).

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Indonesian Government through its representatives abroad continues to communicate with Indonesian citizens regarding their health condition and repatriation.

“Embassy’s hotlines have been operational so our representatives abroad will help those in need of assistance,” Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said after a limited meeting through a video conference, Monday (11/5).

According to her, Indonesian representatives have also distributed staple food, hand sanitizers, and face masks for Indonesian citizens abroad, adding that the assistance given may vary depending on the needs of Indonesian citizens.

“We have distributed 19,083 aid packages in the Middle East and 3,350 aid packages in Europe,” she added.

Regarding entry points particularly for Indonesian migrant workers returning home from abroad, the Minister explained that Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok port, Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, and the island’s Benoa port have been designated as the entry points.

As for those returning home from neighboring Malaysia by sea, the entry points are Batam and Tanjung Balai Karimun ports in Riau Islands, while the border posts of Entikong, Aruk and Badau in Kalimantan are designated for those returning home by land, the Minister said. (MAY/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas