No Indonesians Killed in Manchester Attack: Minister

Bogor, West Java, (Antara) - Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi said here Tuesday that no Indonesian citizens were involved or became victims following an explosion that killed 19 people and injured 50 others on Monday, local time.

A total of 19 people were killed in an attack during a pop concert by the US singer Ariana Grande in the northwest English city of Manchester, the police said on Tuesday, according to Reuters.

"I have communicated with Indonesian Ambassador in London Rizal Sukma to receive information about the victims. So far, no Indonesians got killed or injured in the incident," she noted.

The minister pointed out that the authorities are working to identify the victims.

The Embassy of Indonesia in London has contacted the Indonesian community, including the association of students, to keep abreast of the latest situation, the minister remarked.

The minister affirmed that the embassy has continued to communicate with the local authorities in an attempt to receive updated information regarding Indonesian citizens.

"It is expected to receive updated information from Ambassador Rizal Sukma on Tuesday evening," the minister noted.

The embassy has issued an advisory for all Indonesian citizens living in London and its surrounding areas to temporarily avoid visiting areas near the Manchester Arena and to follow the orders of the local government, according to its official Twitter account.

Those seeking information can contact the hotline +447881221235 set up by the Indonesian Embassy.(*)