Indonesians in Ukraine: Life Amidst Ongoing Conflict
As the war in Ukraine enters its second year, the Indonesian Embassy in Kyiv has confirmed that 72 Indonesian citizens remain in the country.
“The total number of Indonesian citizens in Ukraine remains at 72, including 16 embassy staff. Fortunately, everyone is in good condition,” said Monita Purba, Coordinator of the Consular Protocol and Sociocultural Information Function at the embassy.
The majority of these individuals are concentrated in several areas. A significant portion are located in the capital city of Kyiv, while others have opted to reside in western Ukrainian cities such as Lviv, Ternopil, and Ivano-Frankivsk. Additional Indonesians reside in the southwest regions encompassing Chernivtsi and Kharkiv. A sizable group is concentrated in Odesa, a strategically important port city in southern Ukraine. Many of these individuals have strong ties to Ukraine. Be it through marriage, work for international entities, or employment as spa therapists in Odesa.
The Indonesian embassy remains dedicated to safeguarding its citizens and has intensified efforts to connect with them regularly. “We are actively monitoring the situation and sending out security advisories to all Indonesian citizens in Ukraine. In case of major attacks, we communicate directly with them through dedicated WhatsApp groups,” stated Monita.
Despite the ongoing conflict and the “red” travel advisory issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, some individuals chose to enter Ukraine in 2024. This highlights the complex and personal reasons driving individuals to remain in the country even during wartime. This act of defiance underscores the profound connections that remain, tying these individuals to Ukraine, despite the inherent danger of living in a warzone.
As of April 2022, the Indonesian government had successfully facilitated the evacuation of 133 Indonesian citizens from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022.
The ongoing war continues to dominate global headlines. Recent developments include U.S. President Joe Biden’s approval of long-range missile systems for Ukraine in mid-November. This decision has fuelled tensions, prompting threats of retaliation from Russia.
Amidst these escalating tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism about bringing the conflict to an end in 2025.
What are the main challenges facing Indonesian citizens who chose to remain in Ukraine?
## Indonesians in Ukraine: Life Amidst Ongoing Conflict
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the ongoing situation in Ukraine and its impact on Indonesian citizens still living there. Joining us today is [Guest Name], an expert on Indonesian diaspora communities.
Thank you for being here.
**Guest:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** As the war in Ukraine enters its second year, the Indonesian Embassy in Kyiv has confirmed that 72 Indonesian citizens remain in the country. This number includes embassy staff. Can you shed some light on why these individuals chose to stay?
**Guest:** There are likely a variety of reasons why these Indonesians remain in Ukraine. Some may have strong ties to the country, such as Ukrainian spouses or families. Others may have businesses or careers they are reluctant to abandon.
It’s important to remember that many Indonesians in Ukraine were already living there before the conflict began, and they may have made the difficult decision to stay due to a lack of viable alternatives or financial resources to relocate.
**Interviewer:** The embassy confirmed that these individuals are primarily located in Kyiv and western cities like Lviv. Do we know anything about their living conditions and access to essential services?
**Guest:** The Indonesian Embassy has been actively providing support to its citizens in Ukraine, including facilitating access to humanitarian aid and assisting with evacuations for those who wish to leave. The situation on the ground, however, remains precarious. Access to essential services like healthcare, electricity, and even food can be intermittent and difficult, depending on the location.
**Interviewer:** Indonesia has been vocal about the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. [[1](https://www.eurasiareview.com/19072024-understanding-indonesias-ukraine-peace-summit-scepticism-analysis/) ]They didn’t sign the peace summit communique in June. What does this hesitancy tell us about Indonesia’s perspective on the conflict?
**Guest:** Indonesia’s position reflects a desire for a truly inclusive peace process, one that involves all relevant parties. They are wary of solutions that are imposed or perceived as favouring one side over the other. Indonesia advocates for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to achieving a lasting peace.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights on this important issue. As the conflict continues, it’s crucial that we remain aware of the challenges facing those caught in the crossfire, including the Indonesian citizens who have chosen to stay in Ukraine.
