{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1606571,
        "msgid": "two-scenarios-for-the-2026-hajj-amid-middle-east-conflict-including-cancellation-option-1773276976",
        "date": "2026-03-12 06:35:03",
        "title": "Two Scenarios for the 2026 Hajj Amid Middle East Conflict, Including Cancellation Option",
        "author": "Nawir Arsyad Akbar",
        "source": "KOMPAS",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has outlined two contingency scenarios for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage in response to potential disruptions from Middle East conflict following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The first scenario involves proceeding with pilgrim departures to Saudi Arabia via an alternative southern route through the Indian Ocean and East African airspace, though this would increase flight costs significantly. The second scenario would involve Indonesia unilaterally cancelling the hajj if security risks are deemed too high, with advance payments held without penalty for use in 2027.",
        "content": "<p>Jakarta \u2013 The implementation of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage, or 1447\nHijri, faces potential disruption from Middle East conflict following\nattacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.<\/p>\n<p>This potential impact has drawn the attention of Commission VIII of\nthe House of Representatives, which held a working meeting with Minister\nof Hajj and Umrah Mochammad Irfan Yusuf, known as Gus Irfan, on\nWednesday, 11 March 2026.<\/p>\n<p>In the meeting, Gus Irfan outlined two scenarios should the 2026 hajj\nbe affected by Middle East conflict.<\/p>\n<p>The first scenario involves proceeding with the departure of\nIndonesian hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia despite high-associated risks.\nWhilst acknowledging these risks, Gus Irfan assured that the Ministry of\nHajj and Umrah prioritises the safety and security of Indonesian hajj\npilgrims above all else.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe fundamental principle in developing these scenarios is to\nsafeguard the safety and security of hajj pilgrims as the highest\npriority,\u201d Gus Irfan stated during the meeting.<\/p>\n<p>One measure involves using a southern route via the Indian Ocean and\nentering through East African airspace. However, this alternative route\nwould impact the budget, as it entails longer flight distances and\nduration. Additionally, some aircraft lack the range to make the journey\nand would require intermediate stops in other countries.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs I mentioned earlier, this approach would potentially increase\nflight costs due to the extended distance and flight time resulting from\nthe flight route diversion,\u201d Gus Irfan said.<\/p>\n<p>This scenario could be selected if departure to Saudi Arabia poses a\nthreat to Indonesian hajj pilgrims\u2019 safety, even if Saudi Arabia remains\nopen to receiving them.<\/p>\n<p>The second scenario involves Saudi Arabia potentially remaining open,\nbut Indonesia unilaterally cancelling pilgrim departures due to\nexcessive security risks for Indonesian citizens.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSecondly, there is the scenario where Saudi Arabia may remain open,\nbut Indonesia cancels pilgrim departures given the circumstances.\nBecause the security risk is deemed too great for the safety of\nIndonesian hajj pilgrims,\u201d Gus Irfan explained.<\/p>\n<p>Advance payments already made by pilgrims\u2014covering accommodation,\nmeals, transport, and pilgrim guides\u2014would not be forfeited.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAny cancelled payments would not be lost but could be used for the\n2027 hajj pilgrimage without penalty. And of course, various scenarios\nexist, including the possibility of outright rejection as well. So we\nare constantly preparing contingencies,\u201d Gus Irfan stated.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/two-scenarios-for-the-2026-hajj-amid-middle-east-conflict-including-cancellation-option-1773276976",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}