AMPHURI: Conflict in West Asia Spurs Uncertainty in Umrah Travel

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Central Board of Directors of the Indonesian Umrah and Hajj Organisers Association (AMPHURI) says that the conflict in the West Asia region between the United States–Israel and Iran is triggering uncertainty in Umrah travel. AMPHURI’s General Chairman Firman M. Nur said the closure of several airspaces and adjustments to airline schedules due to the regional conflict are affecting the departures and returns of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims. ‘The escalating conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran is forcing several countries to close airspace, causing some airlines to alter routes, delay, or even suspend flight schedules,’ Firman said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday. The statement was made during the Interactive Dialogue on Mitigating Umrah Amidst the US–Israel vs Iran Conflict in Jakarta. He noted that although the Saudi Arabian Government assures that the situation in the region remains safe and under control for now, it continues to exercise vigilance in accordance with applicable safety standards. On the other hand, Firman stressed the importance of clarity regarding state responsibility as mandated by Law Number 14 of 2025 on the Administration of Hajj and Umrah, particularly with regard to protection of pilgrims and Umrah staff. He highlighted the provision of Article 96(5), which regulates legal protection, security, and basic services for pilgrims, with certain exceptions for independent Umrah pilgrims. Independent Umrah pilgrims, he said, face uncertainty given they could be affected by unilateral cancellations by service providers, airlines, or accommodations. ‘In other words, what happens to them (independent Umrah pilgrims) when unilateral cancellations occur by transport providers, airlines or hotels, where there is clearly no state protection,’ Firman said. ‘This includes refusals of life, health, or travel insurance claims due to force majeure. This differs from Umrah via PPIU, which are all protected as stated in Article 96(5),’ he added. In addition to the West Asia conflict, AMPHURI also referred to a request for a judicial review (JR) of Law Number 14 of 2025 on the Administration of Hajj and Umrah to the Constitutional Court (MK). According to him, the request is part of constitutional participation by the public to strengthen the governance of safe, fair, and compliant Umrah practices in accordance with the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia (UUD 1945). ‘Constitutional jihad is not intended to oppose the state, nor to restrict citizens’ rights to perform independent Umrah, nor is it based on industrial or economic interests,’ said AMPHURI’s Legal Counsel Firman Adi Candra.