58,000 Indonesian Pilgrims Affected by US-Israel and Iran Conflict

Escalating conflict in the Middle East is beginning to have tangible impacts on Indonesian pilgrims undertaking umrah (minor pilgrimage). A number of airlines have reportedly been forced to alter routes and postpone flight schedules from and to Saudi Arabia for security reasons.

This situation has triggered scheduling uncertainty for tens of thousands of pilgrims, both those currently in the Holy Land and those awaiting departure from Indonesia.

Based on data from the Computerised System for Umrah and Special Hajj Management (SISKOPATUH), a total of 58,873 Indonesian umrah pilgrims are currently in Saudi Arabia. The government is ensuring that tens of thousands of pilgrims remain under close monitoring.

The Director-General of Hajj and Umrah Administration at the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), Puji Raharjo, confirmed that the government is conducting intensive monitoring regarding the dynamics of the regional situation.

“We urge all umrah pilgrims not to panic. Remain calm and continue coordinating with your respective Umrah Travel Organisers (PPIU) to obtain official and up-to-date information,” said Puji Raharjo in a written statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Public Relations Bureau in Jakarta on Saturday, 28 February, evening WIB.

Puji stressed that the government will not take risks regarding the safety of its citizens. Kemenhaj is now maintaining active communication with the Hajj Affairs Office (KUH), the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, and the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh to ensure that every development in the situation on the ground can be promptly addressed.

“Kemenhaj continues coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure that the security and safety of Indonesian umrah pilgrims remains the top priority,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the government has also asked families of pilgrims in Indonesia not to be swayed by information from unclear sources (hoaxes).

Any policy developments regarding return schedules or adjustments to departure schedules will be communicated through official channels of the relevant PPIU or travel agencies.

At present, the situation of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia is reported to remain conducive despite flight schedules experiencing changes due to closures or diversions of airspace in conflict zones.