9,400 Umrah Pilgrims from East Java Stranded in Saudi Arabia amid Iran-Israel-US Conflict

Thousands of umrah pilgrims from East Java (Jatim) have been reported stranded in Saudi Arabia as tensions between Iran and Israel-US forces have intensified over recent days.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs’ East Java Regional Office (Kanwil) reported based on preliminary data that approximately 9,400 umrah pilgrims from East Java have had their returns delayed.

“It is correct that approximately 9,400 umrah pilgrims from East Java have had their returns delayed,” said Acting Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs East Java Office Asadul Anam on Monday (2 March).

According to Anam, the return delays occurred alongside adjustments to flight routes and policies from local authorities that took safety factors into consideration.

“At present, all pilgrims are in safe condition and under the supervision of umrah travel organisers (PPIU),” he said.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs urged pilgrims and families in East Java to remain calm and await official information from the Indonesian government and Saudi Arabian authorities regarding safe departure schedules.

Additionally, Anam emphasised that the central Ministry of Religious Affairs had issued a policy temporarily postponing the departure of umrah pilgrims until conditions are deemed conducive. The policy was immediately implemented at provincial level.

“The central Ministry of Religious Affairs has formally requested that all umrah pilgrims intending to depart be postponed. The East Java Ministry of Religious Affairs is prepared to implement this decision down to the umrah pilgrims through PPIUs in East Java,” said Anam.

The office also requested that all PPIUs in East Java carefully consider safety factors before dispatching pilgrims.

“The security and safety of pilgrims are the top priorities amid unstable geopolitical dynamics,” he concluded.