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10 Mitigation Points for Umrah Pilgrims Affected by the Conflict in the Middle East

| | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA Translated from Indonesian | Social Policy

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) acted swiftly to respond to security dynamics in the Middle East that are disrupting routes for Umrah travel. In a cross‑ministry and associations meeting in Jakarta, 10 strategic steps were agreed to ensure the safety of Indonesian pilgrims. The meeting involved the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Immigration and Corrections), the Ministry of Transportation, airlines, and the Umrah Travel Organisers Associations (PPIU).

Puji Raharjo, Director General of Hajj and Umrah Arrangements, stressed that a policy of postponing departures is a form of state protection. He said: “Our thinking framework is clear: the safety of pilgrims is the priority. Postponement is not cancellation; it is a risk mitigation measure. This demonstrates that the state is present to ensure protection, certainty and peace of mind for all pilgrims.”

Based on the coordination results, the following are the 10 agreed points to protect affected Umrah pilgrims:

  1. The government will ensure that cross‑sector coordination is continually strengthened to safeguard the safety, comfort, and certainty of service for Indonesian Umrah pilgrims. (P‑4)

  2. The government, through Kemenhaj, is preparing a mitigation scheme and augmenting the fleet to ensure Umrah pilgrims return home safely.

  3. Pilgrims admitted into the Middle East region are at risk of being unable to depart the area until the specified time.

  4. A total of 6,047 Umrah pilgrims have arrived safely in Indonesia. Kemenhaj RI is prioritising maximum protection and has urged postponement of departures for safety.

  5. Kemenhaj is closely monitoring the security of 58,873 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims amid the escalation of the Middle East conflict. See updates on flight schedules and official advisories here.

  6. Kemenhaj RI is expediting the Hajj 2026 visa process. A total of 162,000 documents have been processed, 57,000 visas printed, with 40,000 remaining targeted for completion in early March.

  7. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) explains that the escalation of the US–Israel vs Iran conflict in the Middle East has driven a risk‑off sentiment in global financial markets.

  8. The government, through Kemenhaj, is again preparing a mitigation scheme and augmenting the fleet to ensure pilgrims return home safely.

  9. Bahlil said that 30% of Indonesia’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports also come from the Middle East, and the government will seek alternative suppliers.

  10. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ichsan Marsha, said that prospective Umrah pilgrims planned to depart before the Hajj season would be affected.

  11. However, the staging of Formula 1 races in the Middle East is at risk of cancellation due to the US–Israel vs Iran war, which is beginning to have wide effects on the global motorsport calendar.

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