Djoko Suyanto said if the trend in violence remained flat, as it has been over the past few days, evacuation would not be necessary.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Djoko Suyanto said a decision had not yet been made to evacuate Indonesian citizens from Egypt in response to the country`s security situation.
"No (decision has been made). As a result, communicating with the ambassador is very important," he stated before attending a limited Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday.
He noted that if the trend in violence remained flat, as it has been over the past few days, evacuation would not be necessary.
He claimed ambassador Nurfaizi had spoken with him on Tuesday night to confirm that the security situation in Egypt was stable and that no worrisome activities had occurred.
Minister Djoko, however, said the government will continue to make preparations for a possible evacuation, including requesting the Indonesian embassy in Egypt to establish priorities on the first set of people to be evacuated should the step become necessary.
"Making a priority list is important. While here, we will continue to coordinate with the relevant ministries and institutions. Decisions will be made based on escalations in violence," he explained.
He pointed out that the government could evacuate Indonesian citizens whenever it becomes necessary.
"Hopefully, the situation will not worsen, and our citizens will be able to remain in the country to continue their tasks and jobs," he said.
Indonesian Ambassador to Egypt Nurfaizi claimed there are some 5,000 Indonesian citizens in Egypt, of which 2,600 are students.
He made assurances that the embassy was constantly monitoring them to ensure their safety.
The government, meanwhile, has appealed to Indonesian citizens to avoid locations that are vulnerable to conflicts. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
