Deputy Chair of DPR Commission VIII Calls for Mitigation of Middle East Conflict Impact on Indonesian Pilgrims

Deputy Chair of DPR Commission VIII Abdul Wachid has pressed the government to urgently prepare mitigation measures for the impact of airspace closures and flight disruptions that could hamper travel for Indonesian Umrah pilgrims. Commission VIII of DPR has conducted intensive coordination with the government to ensure the safety of pilgrims, both those already in Saudi Arabia and those travelling to the Holy Land.

“We in Commission VIII of DPR RI continue to conduct intensive coordination with the government, particularly the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, to mitigate developments in the Middle East situation. Our strong attention is currently focused on pilgrims using transit flights, such as in Doha, Qatar, and Dubai, because they are most vulnerable to being affected if airspace closures occur suddenly,” said the Gerindra politician from Central Java on Monday (2 March 2026).

Abdul Wachid assessed that transit routes in Doha and Dubai are critical points should further escalation occur that results in restrictions or sudden airspace closures.

Additionally, Abdul Wachid emphasised the importance of full responsibility from Umrah Travel Organisers (PPIU) in ensuring information certainty and pilgrim protection. He called on travel agents not to abandon pilgrims in emergency situations such as the current one.

“I request travel operators (PPIU) to truly take responsibility and cooperate fully with the government. There should be no pilgrims left without clarity. At the same time, the government through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah must establish very intensive communication with Indonesian diplomatic missions in those transit countries, as well as all other relevant stakeholders so that our pilgrims’ protection is guaranteed,” he emphasised.

Regarding the possibility of pilgrims being stranded due to flight disruptions, he urged the government to prepare emergency scenarios should the situation not improve in the coming days.

“If within the next five days the security situation continues to escalate, we expect concrete steps to be in place for Indonesian citizen protection, both those performing Umrah in the Holy Land and those stranded in transit countries,” he added.

As Ramadan approaches with an expected surge in Umrah departures, Abdul Wachid advised the public to postpone travel plans until security conditions are confirmed.

“We advise the public to postpone Umrah travel for now, whether planned for the end of Ramadan or during Ramadan itself. We must wait until there is an official announcement regarding the guarantee of subsequent security. The safety of lives is a priority that cannot be compromised,” Wachid said.

The Middle East situation is understood to be escalating with conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised Indonesian citizens to postpone Umrah performance for security reasons.

“We wish to convey advice to all Umrah pilgrims who will depart in the near future to postpone their departure temporarily until conducive conditions truly prevail in the Middle East,” said Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, via the Ministry’s Instagram on Sunday (1 March).