Backing the Return of Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims, Aircraft Fleet Ready to Be Expanded

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) is preparing two schemes to support the return process of Umrah pilgrims amid the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, emphasised that the safety of pilgrims is the government’s top priority. ‘To support the return process, Kemenhaj is preparing two schemes, namely requesting additional aircraft capacity from Garuda Indonesia during the Ramadan period and preparing adjustments to flight scenarios if the situation escalates,’ Dahnil said in an official statement on Wednesday (4 March 2026). ‘We are ready with a number of mitigation steps. If necessary, there will be additional aircraft and route adjustments so that pilgrims can return home safely and on time’, added Dahnil. Currently, 7,782 pilgrims have returned to the homeland between 28 February and 2 March 2026. According to the report via the Computerised System for the Management of Umrah and Special Hajj (SISKOPATUH), around 58,873 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims are recorded to be in Saudi Arabia. ‘We assure that the state is present. The safety of pilgrims is the top priority. We will continue to coordinate intensively with the Foreign Ministry and all related parties to ensure pilgrims can return safely,’ said Dahnil. As a precautionary measure, Kemenhaj has urged postponement of upcoming Umrah departures, considering the escalation of the situation and cross-ministerial coordination outcomes. ‘We urge prospective Umrah pilgrims to delay their departure for the time being. This step is taken solely for the safety and protection of pilgrims,’ he said. On the other hand, Kemenhaj confirms that all 2026 pilgrimage service arrangements have been prepared earlier. The government is optimistic that the 2026 hajj operation can proceed as scheduled while continuing to prepare a number of anticipatory scenarios. ‘We are preparing all service arrangements earlier so that the 2026 hajj operation runs optimally. Nevertheless, we will continue to prepare various mitigation scenarios as a precautionary measure,’ Dahnil explained. President Prabowo Subianto has also stated that the organisation of hajj must be free from rent-seeking practices, cartels, or manipulation. ‘The President’s message is very clear: the Ministry’s face must be one of integrity, cleanliness, and transparency. There must be no practices that erode the people’s trust,’ Dahnil asserted.