Amid Middle East War Threats, 7,000 South Sulawesi Hajj Pilgrims Proceed with Umrah Plans

Amidst escalating Middle East tensions resulting from the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States, the momentum of umrah pilgrims from South Sulawesi shows a contrasting trajectory. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) of South Sulawesi has recorded that no fewer than 7,000 pilgrims are determined to travel to the Holy Land to undertake umrah worship during the month of Ramadan.

However, behind this high public enthusiasm, Kemenhaj has issued an unusual advisory. Pilgrims and umrah travel service providers have been asked to exercise greater caution and reconsider their departure, particularly if using certain flight routes.

Ikbal Ismail, Head of the Kemenhaj South Sulawesi Office, revealed that umrah operations for South Sulawesi pilgrims have generally not been directly impacted by the conflict.

He noted that the primary advantage for South Sulawesi pilgrims is the availability of direct flights on the Makassar-Jeddah route, which has become the preferred option.

“The crucial issue is not really with the worship itself, but rather with the flight routes. Our pilgrims who use indirect flights or transit at airports in the Gulf region, such as Dubai or Qatar, are the ones at greatest risk,” said Ikbal.

This statement drew significant attention, given that Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, are located within close proximity to the escalation of the conflict. Conversely, pilgrims who choose the direct Makassar-Jeddah flight are considered safer as it avoids stopovers in countries potentially affected by the conflict.

The former Head of the Division for Hajj and Umrah Implementation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs South Sulawesi presented startling data. On average, 5,000 to 7,000 pilgrims from South Sulawesi embark on umrah each month.

“This Ramadan is the peak. The numbers could reach over 7,000. They want to experience worship at the most special time,” explained Ikbal.

Currently, Kemenhaj records that there are still 358 umrah pilgrims from South Sulawesi in Saudi Arabia. Ikbal assured that their return will not be disrupted and continues to be strictly monitored by relevant authorities.

Although pilgrims already in the Holy Land are relatively safe, Kemenhaj has issued a yellow light for pilgrims still in Indonesia. Ikbal emphasised that the ministry is currently awaiting further instructions, following the guidance of Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahniel Azhar Simanjuntak.

“The Deputy Minister has issued strict instructions. For pilgrims who have not yet departed, particularly those using transit flights, it is strongly urged that they postpone their departure until conditions in the Middle East are declared completely safe and conducive,” Ikbal stressed. He added that even if travel agents have already booked tickets and hotels, the ministry urges prioritising safety.

“If possible, change your schedule or choose direct flights. Do not push forward if the risk is so great,” he concluded.