158 Umrah pilgrims experience return delays due to the Middle East conflict

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), together with the Consular Function Team of the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, reported that 158 Umrah pilgrims are currently delayed in their return due to the Middle East conflict.

Cumulatively, the number of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims who have returned home has reached 14,796 between 28 February and 5 March 2026.

“In the monitoring process, it is also recorded that 158 pilgrims have experienced delays or were held up in the return process; the pilgrims are currently located in two locations, in the city of Jeddah and the city of Mecca,” said M Ilham Effendy, Hajj Technical Staff at the Jeddah Hajj Affairs Office, in a statement on Saturday, 7 March 2026.

Ilham confirmed that staff from the KJRI Jeddah continue to carry out direct monitoring at the airport to ensure the return process runs smoothly.

“Staff remain on the ground to directly monitor the departure process of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport,” he said.

“We ensure the pilgrims receive clear information as well as assistance during the return process,” he added.

“We continue to coordinate with the airlines and tour operators,” he added.

Ilham affirmed that all pilgrims will continue to receive the necessary assistance and services until they can safely return to the homeland.

“We are ensuring that all pilgrims receive the services and assistance required,” said Ilham.