Indonesian Embassy Urged to Strengthen Security Monitoring for Citizens in France and Italy

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Member of the House of Representatives Taufiq R. Abdullah has urged the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in France and Italy to enhance security monitoring for Indonesian citizens (WNI) in both countries.

This request follows the escalation of protests resulting in unrest in France and Italy.

"I believe our representatives there understand how to handle this situation. It is essential to improve monitoring of security developments to guide WNI on areas to avoid," Taufiq stated in a press release on Tuesday (20/10/2026).

KBRI in Paris and Rome, Taufiq noted, should establish emergency communication channels accessible to WNI in both countries.

He emphasized that safety advisories should also be regularly disseminated through the embassy's official social media channels.

"KBRI needs to take appropriate measures to ensure WNI do not panic by providing regular information through its official channels. If conditions in their residences or campuses deteriorate, they should seek safe locations and follow local authorities' guidance," Taufiq advised.

Additionally, he has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop a continuous risk assessment guideline across turbulent regions in Europe.

"Consistent information delivery is a crucial part of the effort to protect WNI abroad. KBRI must ensure that each guideline includes measurable safety steps and responsive assistance channels," added the politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB).

Demonstrations in France and Italy

According to reports from The Telegraph, about 550,000 people took to the streets in demonstrations involving the yellow vest movement, labor unions, and student groups in France.

The movement initially emerged as a protest against teacher shortages and deteriorating conditions in secondary schools in the suburbs of Paris.

Social media calls subsequently prompted demonstrators across various regions to revive the "yellow vest" movement, which first appeared in 2018 to oppose rising living costs.

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

The wave of protests in France has since spread to several other European countries, including Italy and Belgium.

In Italy, demonstrations have been held against the war and rising living costs in the country.