Commission VIII States Hajj Continues Normally, Requests Religious Affairs Ministry for Intensive Communication with Saudi Arabia

JAKARTA — Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Abidin Fikri, stated that to date the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has not provided an official explanation regarding allegations of delays to the 2026 hajj pilgrimage, although the geopolitical situation in the Middle East continues to be closely monitored.

Abidin Fikri expressed that Commission VIII remains optimistic that preparations for the 2026 hajj will proceed smoothly as planned, since there has been no official ban from Saudi Arabian authorities such as occurred during the previous COVID-19 pandemic period.

The politician from Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), emphasised the importance of intensive communication between the Indonesian government and Saudi Arabia to ensure clarity of information for pilgrims.

“We in Commission VIII continue to oversee 2026 hajj preparations comprehensively, including regulatory, technical, and financing aspects, as well as the planned readiness carried out by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The public is asked to remain calm as there is no indication that conflict will disrupt the sacred regions of Makkah and Madinah,” said Abidin.

Furthermore, the PDI-P politician from the East Java IX electoral district requested that the government strengthen coordination to anticipate all possibilities, whilst ensuring that pilgrim services remain optimal without reducing quotas or quality.

Commission VIII is committed to conducting strict oversight so that the hajj pilgrimage in the year 1447 H/2026 CE can improve services and be carried out safely and comfortably for all prospective Indonesian pilgrims.

Previously, the government had prepared several scenarios to anticipate the impact of escalating conflict in the Middle East region on the conduct of the hajj pilgrimage this year, with the primary focus on ensuring the safety of Indonesian hajj pilgrims.

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, after attending the Commemoration of Nuzulul Quran at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (11 March 2026), explained that President Prabowo Subianto’s directive was to prepare for various possibilities that could occur if the security situation in the region changes.