Middle East Situation is ‘Worrying’: Indonesian Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi delivers report at the Opening of Indonesia Chief Representatives Work Meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (9/1). (Photo: AGUNG/PR)

The latest situation in the Middle East is considered ‘extremely worrying’ following the rising tension between Iran and United States, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi has said.

The dispute between the two countries is escalating after US killed Iran’s top military commander Qasem Solaemani in Baghdad last week. Iran then launched dozens of missile attacks against US and its coalition forces based in Iraq as retaliation since Wednesday (8/1).

“Indonesia has sent messages to both parties to refrain from any steps that may further aggravate the ongoing tensions in the Middle East,” Retno said at the Opening of Indonesia Chief Representatives Working Meeting at the State Palace, Thursday (9/1).

The Minister added she had also also talked with Vietnam Foreign Minister, who serves as President of the UN Security Council, to continue de-escalating the situation.

In addition, Retno continued, Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also prepared contingency plans for Indonesian citizens living in Iran, Iraq and surrounding regions.

“All hotline numbers stated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ news release can now be contacted and the Ministry has also opened crisis centers to anticipate the worst,” Retno said. (UN/AGG/ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas