Inp.polri.go.id - Tangerang.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday (7/10/2024) that 116 Indonesian citizens have opted to stay in Lebanon despite the current emergency situation.

“Currently, 116 Indonesians are still in Lebanon, with most choosing to remain for personal reasons,” said Judha Nugraha, the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and Legal Entities, during a press briefing in Tangerang.

Judha said that those staying include students and migrant workers who are continuing their education or bound by employment contracts. 

“The group consists of Indonesian citizens married to locals, students, and migrant workers,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Although they have chosen not to evacuate, the government remains committed to assisting and repatriating its citizens when necessary, as mandated by Law No. 37/1999, which requires the state to protect citizens in conflict zones.

So far, 40 Indonesians and one foreign national have been safely evacuated, including 38 adults and two children. Since the emergency status was declared by the Indonesian Embassy on 4 August 2024, 65 Indonesians have been evacuated, while 116 still remain.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)