14,115 Pilgrims Stranded Following Iran vs Israel-US Conflict

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has reported that 50,374 Indonesian pilgrims remain in Saudi Arabia as of 11 March 2026, with 14,115 unable to return home due to Middle East conflict. This total includes 1,239 umrah operators.

Speaking during a parliamentary session with Commission VIII of the People’s Consultative Assembly at the DPR complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, Irfan urged prospective pilgrims and officials not yet in the Holy Land to postpone their departures until conditions in the region become more conducive.

“Our consideration is to maintain the safety and comfort of pilgrims,” he stated.

Despite the advisory, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 pilgrims continue to depart daily via direct flights as of 9 March. Irfan reminded umrah operators who continue sending pilgrims to provide full guarantees of pilgrim safety and security from departure through return to Indonesia.

“Umrah travel operators must also provide education to pilgrims regarding current conditions in the Middle East,” Irfan said.

The minister also noted that several transit countries have prohibited the departure of prospective umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, potentially resulting in cancelled journeys. The government will communicate compensation, restitution, visa refunds, accommodation, meals, and ground transportation arrangements for those unable to proceed with their pilgrimages.

Irfan stated, “We will communicate compensation, restitution, or refunds of visas, accommodation, meals, and ground transportation for prospective pilgrims unable to travel.”