DPR Member Urges Government to Prepare Pilgrimage Return Scheme
A member of the House of Representatives Commission VIII, Selly Andriany Gantina, has urged the government to prepare a repatriation scheme for Indonesian umrah pilgrims. The conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Middle East has impacted flights to and from the region.
Reports indicate that more than 58,000 Indonesian umrah pilgrims are currently unable to return home according to their scheduled dates owing to disruptions to international flights.
“The state must ensure there is a clear, measurable, and time-certain repatriation scheme. Pilgrims must not be left in uncertainty,” said Selly in Jakarta on Sunday (1 March).
An official statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said it would monitor the situation in the Middle East and ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens, including pilgrims in the holy land.
Selly believes the embassy’s announcement needs to be followed by concrete steps so that Indonesian umrah pilgrims have certainty.
She stressed that the current situation in the Middle East can serve as an evaluation of the crisis mitigation system in administering the umrah pilgrimage.
Selly emphasised three aspects: first, strengthening the protection system for pilgrims who are Indonesian citizens. This includes alternative repatriation schemes, logistical protection, and service guarantees for pilgrims affected by emergency situations. Second, crisis management preparedness so that Indonesian umrah pilgrims do not bear the burden of global risks.
Third, strengthening coordination across ministries and state representations abroad. The Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh has committed to monitoring the situation and ensuring the safety of Indonesian nationals, including pilgrims in the holy land. Migrant Care Jember has formally opened a complaints channel for Indonesian migrant workers in the Middle East, particularly in Iran. The geopolitical situation in the Middle East region has resulted in flight cancellations, rescheduling, and route changes due to the conflict between the United States and Iran.