Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The Indonesian Embassy in Havana, overseeing Haiti, confirmed the safety of seven Indonesian nationals working as spa therapists in Port-au-Prince, Haiti as they live quite a distance from conflict areas. Indonesian Ambassador to Havana, Nana Yuliana, said in a statement on Tuesday (5/3/2024) said that armed criminal gangs currently control 80 percent of the capital city. Tensions in Haiti have escalated since early February 2024 due to Prime Minister Ariel Henry's promise to hold elections, which have not been carried out citing concerns over security. The embassy urged Indonesian citizens to stay vigilant and indoors due to the political and security situation in the Haitian capital. They advise avoiding conflict areas and contacting the embassy's hotline in case of danger. The embassy plans to facilitate evacuation through land routes to the neighboring Dominican Republic. They also intend to encourage Indonesian citizens to seek employment in other, safer Caribbean countries. Media reports indicate a tense situation in Haiti with random killings and violence against civilians suspected of being members of rival gangs. Additionally, there have been reports of looting, kidnappings, and arson. As of now, Prime Minister Ariel Henry's whereabouts are unknown, and Haiti has declared a state of emergency for 72 hours since Monday . (mg/inp/pr/nm)