DPR calls for prioritising safety of hajj pilgrims amid Middle East conflict escalation

Jakarta – A member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Lisda Hendrajoni, has called upon the government to prioritise the safety of hajj pilgrims in 2026 amid escalating conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

“We must recognise that global conditions, particularly the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, could impact various aspects of hajj operations, including flight routes and pilgrimage security,” Lisda said, speaking in Jakarta on Monday.

According to her, the government must immediately prepare risk mitigation measures from the outset to address these concerns.

Previously, during a working session between Commission VIII of the House of Representatives and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, three scenarios for Indonesian hajj operations in 2026 were presented in relation to the Middle East conflict.

The first scenario involves proceeding with hajj departures whilst potentially diverting flight routes to safer corridors should security conditions in certain regions prove unfavourable.

The second scenario involves the possibility that Indonesia might decide to postpone or cancel pilgrim departures despite Saudi Arabia continuing to hold hajj operations.

“Should Indonesia decide not to send pilgrims for safety reasons, the government must ensure that pilgrims’ hajj fees are not lost and remain protected,” Lisda said.

The third scenario involves the worst-case possibility should the Saudi Arabian government decide to suspend hajj operations due to certain circumstances.

“Should Saudi Arabia close hajj operations, our primary priority must be ensuring that pilgrim funds remain secure and can be returned in full. Transparency in managing pilgrim funds becomes critically important in such situations,” Lisda said.

She views the management of hajj funds as requiring serious attention across every scenario the government prepares. Lisda stressed that protecting pilgrim funds is a significant responsibility that must be maintained with transparency and accountability.

“Whatever scenario the government prepares, the fundamental principle must be clear: pilgrim funds must be safe and must not be put at risk. This is a trust that must be maintained with full responsibility,” she stated.

Furthermore, Lisda also highlighted the importance of information transparency to the public, particularly to prospective hajj pilgrims who have waited long to depart. According to her, transparency will provide certainty whilst building public confidence in hajj operations.

Lisda emphasised that the House of Representatives will not remain silent should it discover issues that could harm Indonesian hajj pilgrims.

She expressed hope that all parties involved in conducting hajj operations can work maximally to maintain public confidence in the state.