Riots in France and Italy, Indonesian Foreign Ministry Ensures No WNI Involved

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Director of the Indonesian Citizen Protection Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heni Hamidah, confirmed that no Indonesian citizens (WNI) were involved or affected by the riots during demonstrations in France and Italy.

"As of now, the Indonesian Embassy in Paris and the Indonesian Embassy in Rome have not received any reports of WNI being involved or affected by the demonstrations," Heni stated in a message on Monday (19/10/2026).

Heni noted that both the Indonesian Embassy in Paris and the Indonesian Embassy in Rome have advised all Indonesians in their accredited areas to be cautious and monitor the security situation closely.

This includes keeping track of official information from local authorities and avoiding demonstration sites and large crowds.

"Additionally, WNI are advised to adjust their travel plans considering potential public transportation disruptions and to follow instructions from local security authorities," Heni added.

She mentioned that the Indonesian Embassies in Paris and Rome will continue to monitor the security situation following the demonstrations and maintain communication with all WNI.

In case of emergencies, WNI in France and Italy can contact:

Hotline Indonesian Embassy in Paris at: 33-6-2112-2109 

Hotline Indonesian Embassy in Rome at: 39-338-954-2333

According to reports from The Telegraph, around 550,000 people took to the streets during the demonstrations involving yellow vest movements, labor unions, and student groups.

Of these, 110,000 demonstrators were in Paris.

The wave of unrest originated from student protests that have been ongoing for three weeks.

This movement initially emerged as a protest against teacher shortages and declining conditions in secondary schools in the suburbs of Paris, with some schools even being set on fire.

Calls on social media then encouraged demonstrators in various regions to revive the "yellow vest" movement that arose in 2018 in opposition to the rising cost of living.

The movement has since expanded to include labor unions representing nurses, teachers, farmers, taxi drivers, and environmental activists.

AFP reported at least 1,200 people were arrested during the protests, and 150 police officers were reported injured.

The unrest also spread and prompted similar actions in Italy.