Deputy Minister of Hajj Comments on Possible Delay of Hajj Departure
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has announced the possibility of adjusting the implementation scenario for this year’s hajj. According to Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, postponement of the departure could occur if the current military conflict in the Middle East poses a danger to hajj pilgrims.
“For example, if the situation endangers safety, then a postponement scenario could indeed emerge,” said Dahnil on Tuesday, 11 March 2026.
He stated that this scenario would still be discussed and adjusted in line with directives from President Prabowo Subianto.
Dahnil said the government’s priority in implementing this year’s hajj is guaranteeing the safety of pilgrims. He stated this represents a commitment to protect Indonesian citizens whilst ensuring that the hajj pilgrimage can proceed safely and comfortably.
He also conveyed the President’s message regarding the hajj implementation: ensuring pilgrim safety. “This is the most important thing. Therefore, we are preparing various scenarios with the primary objective of ensuring the safety of Indonesian citizens who will perform the hajj pilgrimage in April,” said Dahnil.
Additionally, Dahnil said the government will continue to monitor developments of the Middle East conflict when formulating these measures. “If there is no change in scenario or if the conflict escalates downward and this ensures the safety of Indonesian citizens departing for hajj, then 22 April will be the first batch departure date. However, the President’s directive is clear: all conditions and all scenarios must be prepared,” he said.
He stated that Kemenhaj is currently coordinating across agencies and ministries to ensure that hajj operations can run safely. “We will discuss various scenarios with the House of Representatives if the conflict shows signs that could endanger our hajj pilgrims,” he said.
According to the schedule, the first batch of 2026 hajj pilgrims will depart on 22 April. Approximately 221,000 hajj pilgrims will depart for the holy lands this year.