DPR Member Agrees Umrah Pilgrimage Should Be Postponed: Pilgrim Safety is Non-Negotiable
Jakarta — A member of the House of Representatives Commission VIII from the Golkar Party faction, Hasan Basri Agus, has endorsed the government’s move to recommend a temporary postponement of Indonesian pilgrims’ departure for umrah to Saudi Arabia.
“Umrah is a sacred calling, but the protection and safety of pilgrims is a state responsibility that cannot be compromised. The principle of prioritising safety must be placed foremost in every policy,” Hasan stated in a statement on Monday (2 March 2026).
Hasan emphasised that the safety of Indonesian citizens must remain the highest priority amid global geopolitical dynamics and the ongoing escalation of conflict in the Middle Eastern region.
Hasan noted that based on data from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Indonesia is one of the world’s largest senders of umrah pilgrims. In the years prior to the pandemic, the number of Indonesian umrah pilgrims reached more than one million per year. With such a large number of pilgrims, potential safety risks, logistical challenges and psychological impacts on pilgrims are important considerations in policy-making.
Additionally, Hasan reminded that this postponement recommendation is not a form of permanent prohibition, but rather a temporary preventive measure whilst continuing to monitor security developments in real time.
“We must not panic, but neither should we be negligent. This policy is a form of government caution in reading global dynamics. This is an anticipatory step, not a reactive one,” he said.
He stated that the government, together with the Pilgrim Travel Operators Association (PPIU), must ensure that affected pilgrims can reschedule without additional costs or penalties.
Furthermore, said Hasan, the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Administration must issue an official circular that comprehensively explains the basis of the policy, so as not to fuel speculation among the public.
Not only that, the PPIU and umrah travel agents must also guarantee the security of pilgrim funds, including the refund of funds if pilgrims choose to cancel their departure.
Meanwhile, Hasan urged the public to remain calm, not be easily provoked by unverified information, and to trust this policy to the government, which acts based on security and international diplomatic considerations.
He emphasised that Indonesia maintains good diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.