RI’s MoFA at forefront of protecting Indonesians abroad: analyst

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – International relations analyst Teuku Rezasyah said Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has played a leading role in protecting the sovereignty and safety of Indonesians abroad.

“The Foreign Ministry is at the forefront of protecting sovereignty. It is one of the few ministries with a deep understanding of the Constitution,” Rezasyah, a President University lecturer, told ANTARA on Thursday.

He made the remarks ahead of the second anniversary of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, highlighting policies to protect Indonesians abroad.

Rezasyah said digital services operated by the Foreign Ministry have been highly effective in strengthening protection for Indonesians overseas.

He cited the ministry’s SMS Blast service as an example of a digital ecosystem designed to protect Indonesians abroad.

The service automatically sends welcome messages and other important information to Indonesians upon their arrival in a foreign country.

“That is the first impression Indonesian citizens get when they arrive abroad. The service helps Indonesians as soon as they enter a foreign country,” Rezasyah said.

Alongside digital services, which he described as highly effective, Rezasyah said Indonesian diplomatic missions abroad have also been active in assisting citizens and diaspora communities.

“Indonesian embassies are among the most active. They closely monitor our people, whether Indonesian citizens, permanent residents or diaspora members, including second- and third-generation Indonesians,” he said.

He said such comprehensive data collection helps Indonesians abroad maintain harmonious relationships and a strong sense of solidarity.

Rezasyah also said Indonesian embassies and consulates general have good access to local government and judicial institutions, enabling them to obtain accurate information on Indonesians and diaspora members abroad.

“They can even reach remote areas, allowing them to know exactly the status of Indonesians who are facing problems abroad,” he said.

Rezasyah added that Indonesian diplomatic missions maintain strong communication with local authorities and frequently deploy staff to accompany Indonesians facing difficulties overseas.

“They provide assistance to ensure that the fundamental rights of Indonesians facing problems abroad are monitored and protected,” he added.

Through such assistance and other support provided by diplomatic missions overseas, Indonesian citizens feel that the state is genuinely present to support them, Rezasyah said.