Foreign Ministry Updates on Return of Stranded Umrah Pilgrims Following Middle East Conflict
Jakarta — Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has provided the latest information regarding Indonesian umrah pilgrims who remain stranded at various overseas airports following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The government has also issued an official statement concerning the fate of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Acting Director of Indonesian Citizens’ Protection at Kemlu, Heni Hamidah, revealed that the conflict has had tangible impacts on Indonesian citizens, particularly those undertaking air travel. According to Kemlu data, the number of stranded Indonesian citizens has reached over 6,000.
“The impact is very real. According to our calculations, the number of stranded Indonesian citizens from the beginning until now has exceeded 6,000. The majority are in Jeddah, for umrah pilgrims,” Heni stated during a press briefing in Jakarta on Friday (13 March 2026).
Heni explained that these pilgrims are stranded at various transit points, ranging from Jeddah to airports in Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. This situation has resulted from airspace closures and flight disruptions in the conflict zone.
However, Heni assured that the government continues to facilitate their return in phases as several air routes begin to reopen.
“Every day we receive daily reports regarding the handling of stranded Indonesian citizens. So as soon as air routes start opening and flights become available, they gradually return to the country. For those without available flights, they are accommodated in hotels,” he added.
2026 Hajj Status
Regarding public concerns about the organisation of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage amid the ongoing conflict situation, Kemlu stated that there has been no schedule change announcement from Saudi Arabian authorities thus far.
Kemlu has coordinated with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and received confirmation that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to plan the Hajj pilgrimage according to the original schedule.
“Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has not announced any changes regarding the organisation of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. Therefore, at present, the implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage remains as planned, and there is no alternative scenario from Saudi Arabia,” Heni stated firmly.
The government has urged the public, particularly prospective hajj pilgrims, to remain calm and refrain from speculation. Kemlu assures that it will continue to monitor developments on the ground and provide official information regularly should there be any policy changes from the Saudi Arabian government regarding security mitigation.