Indonesia, Singapore urge citizens in Myanmar to return

By Erric Permana, Pizaro Gozali Idrus

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AA) – The Indonesian and Singaporean governments have advised their citizens in Myanmar to consider leaving the country due to escalating violence.

Teuku Faizasyah, a spokesperson for the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, said Indonesian nationals are encouraged to return home by commercial flights as they are still available to take them back. Indonesians who choose to stay in Myanmar are asked to avoid traveling or working.

"The Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon will continue to monitor the situation in Myanmar," Faizasyah told Anadolu Agency via text message on Friday. But there is no emergency to evacuate Indonesian citizens in Myanmar, he added.

Meanwhile, the Singaporean government also urged its citizens in Myanmar to leave the country as soon as possible.

There are at least 500 Singaporeans living in Myanmar who have registered with the Foreign Ministry and some have taken its advice to return home.

“Due to the escalating clashes between protesters and Myanmar security forces and the increasing number of civilian casualties in Myanmar, Singaporeans are strongly advised to defer all travel to Myanmar at this time,” said the ministry in a written statement Thursday.

“Singaporeans who choose to remain in Myanmar are strongly advised to remain indoors as far as possible,” the ministry added.

They were also reminded to remain vigilant, monitor local news closely, and take necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety.

*Writing by Maria Elisa Hospita