TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amidst the uncertainty caused by the temporary closure of airspace in the Middle East, the Indonesian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Judha Nugraha, personally met with several Indonesian citizens (WNI) still stranded in Abu Dhabi.
On Tuesday evening, Ambassador Judha visited the Al Reef residential area in Abu Dhabi to visit four stranded Indonesian citizens who were temporarily sheltered by a fellow Indonesian citizen residing in Abu Dhabi, Yuni Budi Pramudyo. The atmosphere of the meeting was warm and full of solidarity, reflecting the strong bonds of the Indonesian diaspora community in the UAE during this emergency situation.
"A total of 41 Indonesian citizens are stranded due to the closure of airspace in the UAE. We are coordinating closely with local authorities and the community. For example, we visited our own stranded Indonesian citizens who are being sheltered by fellow Indonesian citizens. This is the beauty of the brotherhood among Indonesian citizens abroad, helping each other provide the best possible service and protection for them," he said.
During the meeting, Ambassador Judha ensured that the Indonesian citizens were safe and that their basic needs were being met.
He emphasized that the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indonesian Consulate General in Dubai continue to closely monitor developments in the security situation and flight operations, and are coordinating with local authorities and relevant airlines to find the best solution for affected Indonesian citizens.
"Currently, the most important thing is to ensure that all Indonesian citizens are safe and protected. We are here to ensure that no one is neglected," said Ambassador Judha at the meeting.
To date, 41 Indonesian citizens have reported to the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indonesian Consulate General in Dubai because they are still stranded in Abu Dhabi and Dubai due to flight cancellations or delays.
They have been recorded and grouped based on their individual needs, including those with urgent needs to return home for work, family, or health reasons.
As an anticipatory measure, the Indonesian Embassy is offering a number of solution options, including facilitating changes to commercial flight schedules, coordinating with airlines for departure priority, and the possibility of repatriation flights if the situation does not fully return to normal in the near future.
This repatriation scheme is being prepared as a contingency option to ensure certainty for Indonesian citizens requiring immediate return to Indonesia.
Ambassador Judha also urged all Indonesian citizens in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to remain calm, follow the directions of local authorities, and maintain active communication with the Indonesian Embassy.
He emphasized the importance of updating personal data and communicating current conditions so that prompt and appropriate handling can be carried out.
The swift action and direct presence of state representatives among the citizens demonstrates the government's commitment to providing maximum protection to Indonesian citizens abroad.
Solidarity among Indonesian citizens abroad is a unique strength in dealing with emergency situations, ensuring that every Indonesian citizen feels safe, cared for, and not alone.
Read: Indonesia Readies Evacuation Scenarios for Migrant Workers in Middle East
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