Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Acknowledges Decline in Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims Amid Iran-US Conflict

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar acknowledged a decline in the number of Indonesian umrah pilgrims departing in the face of conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States.

He stated that prospective pilgrims from Indonesia were taking into account security factors amid the conflict in the Middle East region.

“Our data indeed shows a decline in those departing, because they are considering safety and the dynamics of the conflict,” Dahnil said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (10 March).

He noted that the government continues to advise prospective umrah pilgrims to postpone their departure. Dahnil stated that in this regard, the government prioritises the safety of Indonesian citizens.

“Because anything could happen; we do not know how the escalation of the Middle East conflict will unfold as the dynamics are very fluid and subject to change at any moment,” he said.

He also conveyed that the Ministry of Hajj and the Foreign Ministry continue to provide support for Indonesian pilgrims who will return.

Dahnil stated that they are also coordinating with travel agencies to provide ongoing support to the pilgrims.

“Currently, there are approximately 43,000 umrah pilgrims there. These are not stranded individuals; they are currently performing umrah. They are performing umrah,” he said.