Jakarta (ANTARA) - Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani urged the government to guarantee the safety of Indonesian citizens trapped in the conflict area between India and Pakistan.
"Wherever they are, the safety of Indonesian citizens must be a priority. The government must ensure the security and safety of our citizens, both in India and Pakistan," Maharani noted in a statement on Thursday (May 8).
The House speaker urged the government to conduct a more in-depth mapping, especially regarding the worst-case scenario that might occur.
"If needed, the evacuation process for Indonesian citizens can be carried out from both countries," she added.
Although the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi and Islamabad confirmed that no Indonesian citizens were victims of the tension between India and Pakistan, Maharani suggested that the government consider conducting an evacuation.
She emphasized that the state is obliged to protect every Indonesian citizen wherever they are, including ensuring their safety in every conflict they encounter.
According to Maharani, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, along with the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and other related agencies, should prioritize the safest possible policy for Indonesian citizens in India and Pakistan.
For evacuation measures, the speaker requested that the Foreign Affairs Ministry, through each Indonesian Embassy, prepare medical personnel and ensure the well-being of evacuees as well.
"Their health must be considered. No Indonesian citizens should get sick during the evacuation process. The lives of our citizens are the responsibility of the state," Maharani remarked.
As a friendly nation and strategic partner, she expressed Indonesia's hope that India and Pakistan would resolve their differences through dignified and fair dialogue by upholding the principles of humanity, international law, and the protection of civilians.
She then emphasized that Indonesia, as a country with an active and free foreign policy, seeks to maintain peace and stability in the region.
She also noted that the ongoing conflict in South Asia has the potential to cause global impacts, ranging from economic disruption and cross-country migration to increasing geopolitical tensions.
"We urge the international community, including the UN, to facilitate peace talks between the two countries," she stated.
Puan then expressed her concern over the India-Pakistan conflict that has claimed lives and expressed solidarity with all victims and their families affected.
Her side is ready to engage through parliamentary and multilateral diplomacy to support a sustainable peace process.
"There is no victory in a war that claims civilian lives. Every life lost is a wound to humanity. We hope that both countries will immediately stop attacks and military actions," she concluded.
