Geopolitics in the Middle East Heats Up Over US-Iran War, DIY Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Umrah Travel Still Safe

YOGYAKARTA — The escalation of the Iran-Israel-America war continues to intensify in the Middle East. The enduring tensions have raised concerns for Indonesian Umrah pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia or preparing to depart, including those from the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).

Acting Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) in DIY, Jauhar Mustofa, said he had held a meeting with the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Administration. Despite the warming geopolitical climate, he assured that the Umrah journeys for DIY pilgrims remain relatively safe to date and have not been significantly affected in terms of departures or pilgrim returns.

“There is information in the news about congestion at Madinah Airport and Jeddah Airport, but so far it is still smooth,” Jauhar told reporters on Tuesday, 2 March 2026.

“We have already met at the central level, specifically with the directorate that handles Umrah and Hajj special trips. Up to now, for Umrah it has not been significantly affected,” he added.

Flights on the Indonesia–Saudi Arabia route, whether via Jeddah or Madinah, are still operating normally. As a precautionary measure should the conflict escalate affect flight schedules, Jauhar said the Hajj Affairs Office (KUH), together with the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh and Jeddah, has formed three dedicated teams.