Tehran. Indonesian citizens currently in Iran are more concerned about rising inflation than the security situation in the country following the recent attacks on Israel last week. Ubed A Yusuf, one of the citizens interviewed by BTV on Tuesday, said the situation in Iran is still relatively normal, especially in Tehran.

According to Ubed, several other Indonesian citizens residing outside Tehran reported similar conditions. Many of them have yet to decide on returning to Indonesia following Iran's recent drone and missile strikes on Israel.

"In general, the situation appears relatively normal, especially in Tehran. Reports from other cities where Indonesian citizens reside, especially students, suggest a calm atmosphere without notable panic," said Ubed.

He emphasized that current worries among Indonesian and local Iranian citizens revolve around potential economic ramifications if the conflict escalates. "While the market remains bustling yet relatively normal, there's apprehension, particularly regarding high inflation," he added.

Ubed highlighted the significant impact of inflation on Indonesian students studying in Iran, given their constrained financial resources. He underscored the substantial increase in the local currency, the Toman, compared to the US dollar, which began before Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel.

"The sharp rise in prices, particularly over the past year, has made essentials like eggs and oil more expensive. For financially limited students, this poses significant challenges," explained Ubed.

He mentioned that all Indonesian citizens in Iran have received instructions from the Indonesian Embassy regarding alert level 2. This alert was issued following Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1.

Alert level 2 advises Indonesian citizens in Iran to avoid crowds and be prepared for self-evacuation, including having essential documents ready. Ubed highlighted their participation in the embassy's WhatsApp group for updates.

Despite concerns, Ubed noted that long-term residents in Iran perceive the situation as relatively normal while acknowledging apprehensions among newcomers.

Iran's recent missile strikes on Israel, triggered by an Israeli air raid on the Iranian consulate in Syria, have raised international concerns about potential escalation. Various global leaders have responded to the situation, with the UK and the US condemning Iran's actions and expressing support for Israel. France and China have called for de-escalation, while Russia maintains its close ties with Iran.

Indonesia recently issued a foreign ministerial statement in response to the attacks. In the statement, Jakarta urges all parties to exercise self-restraint, while also telling the UN Security Council to act immediately to cool down the conflict. 

Add as a preferred source on Google +