{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1646320,
        "msgid": "middle-east-remains-unsettled-menhaj-hajj-preparations-complete-1774950808",
        "date": "2026-03-31 16:05:06",
        "title": "Middle East Remains Unsettled, Menhaj: Hajj Preparations Complete",
        "author": "Danu Damarjati",
        "source": "KOMPAS",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Politics",
        "summary": "Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Irfan Yusuf, has confirmed that all preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage are on track despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He noted that while rising aviation fuel prices could potentially increase costs, the government is committed to avoiding additional burdens on pilgrims by exploring alternative funding sources. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety, comfort, and timely departure of Indonesian pilgrims, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directives.",
        "content": "<p>JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia\u2019s Minister of Hajj and Umrah\n(Menhaj), Irfan Yusuf or Gus Irfan, stated that preparations for the\nHajj departure are complete, even as the situation in the Middle East\nremains unsettled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll preparations in Saudi Arabia are also complete. Today, the\nDeputy Minister of Hajj is in Saudi Arabia to ensure all those\npreparations. Alhamdulillah, everything is proceeding well,\u201d Irfan said\nat the Kompas Tower in Jakarta on Tuesday (31\/3\/2026).<\/p>\n<p>He acknowledged the anxiety among prospective Hajj pilgrims for 1447\nHijriah or 2026, who will depart amid the dynamic geopolitical situation\nin the global Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>Irfan explained that Indonesia\u2019s Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah,\nDahnil Anzar, is currently in the Holy Land to prepare all aspects of\nthe Hajj worship.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe hope the situation remains like this, undisturbed by the\npreparations,\u201d he clarified.<\/p>\n<p>The Menhaj stated that the planned schedule for Indonesian Hajj\npilgrims this year is still on track with the initial preparations.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe expect that on 21 April, the first batch of Hajj pilgrims will\nenter the Hajj dormitory, and on 22 April, they will depart for the Holy\nLand,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHajj pilgrims are safe, but if their food is not fulfilled, it means\nthey are not safe either. That is also a consideration for us to ensure\nthat all Hajj pilgrim logistics can be met,\u201d he emphasised.<\/p>\n<p>The Menhaj admitted that aviation fuel prices have surged due to the\ngeopolitical conflict in the Middle East, which could potentially\ntrigger an increase in airfare prices.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is a potential for additional costs. For example, aviation\nfuel has risen today, even though we contracted with airlines several\nmonths ago,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>He explained that the potential cost increase is due to route changes\nthat would require additional flight time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis automatically requires additional costs. But InsyaAllah, we\nwill work hard so that no additional costs are passed on to the\npilgrims. We will seek other sources that we can still utilise later,\u201d\nhe stated.<\/p>\n<p>In accordance with the mandate of Indonesian President Prabowo\nSubianto, Irfan emphasised that the Ministry of Hajj continues to\nmonitor the security situation to ensure the safety and comfort of the\npilgrims.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHopefully everything is on schedule, so that news saying there are\nchanges, no departures, and so on, hopefully will not prove true,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/middle-east-remains-unsettled-menhaj-hajj-preparations-complete-1774950808",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}