Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah: 2,000 Indonesian Pilgrims Stranded Due to Middle East Conflict

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak announced that approximately 2,000 Indonesian pilgrims experienced difficulties whilst attempting to return to Indonesia from Saudi Arabia. Several pilgrims were stranded or detained due to flight schedule disruptions, particularly those on connecting flights affected by the Middle East conflict situation.

“The exact number of those stranded remains unclear as the latest update is not yet available, but previously approximately 2,000 pilgrims who departed experienced stranded conditions,” Dahnil stated at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday evening, 10 March.

He explained that the majority of pilgrims experiencing delayed returns were utilising indirect or connecting flights, which meant their travel schedules were affected when subsequent flights encountered disruptions. Beyond flight route challenges, Dahnil highlighted the factor of elevated aircraft ticket prices, which made it difficult for some pilgrims to quickly obtain alternative flights. This situation forced several pilgrims to remain temporarily abroad whilst searching for more affordable tickets.

“Then the ticket prices are expensive, so ultimately many of them are forced to remain there temporarily to find tickets they can afford,” Dahnil said.

Nevertheless, he reported that the majority of detained pilgrims have now successfully returned to Indonesia. The Government, Dahnil continued, remains in close coordination with relevant ministries and airlines to anticipate potential similar difficulties for future pilgrim journeys. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues intensive monitoring of the return process for several Indonesian pilgrims experiencing flight rescheduling delays in Saudi Arabia. The Head of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Office in Purwakarta Regency, Syamsi Mufti, urged pilgrims to exercise caution and maintain conducive conditions.