Government Must Protect 58,873 Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims in the Middle East
A brutal and deadly attack by Israel and the United States against Iran on Saturday, 28 February, has shocked the world.
Maman Imanul Haq, a member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has called on the government to take immediate emergency measures through Indonesian embassies in the Middle East to ensure the safety of thousands of Indonesian hajj pilgrims affected by escalating regional conflict.
“The protection of Indonesian citizens must be a top priority. This includes ensuring the security conditions of pilgrims, the availability of logistical support, and access to clear and reliable information,” said Maman.
The pressure emerged following increased tensions in the Middle East after military attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran. The impacts include the closure of several airspace regions, causing some Indonesian pilgrims to be stranded at transit airports.
To address the situation, Maman urged the government to strengthen cross-sector coordination involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the Ministry of Transportation. He believes inter-agency synergy is necessary to formulate concrete mitigation measures.
“These steps are important to anticipate further impacts, such as possible flight route diversions and the provision of temporary accommodation for pilgrims stranded in transit countries,” he said.
Additionally, he also requested that the government immediately conduct a census of affected pilgrims, provide logistical assistance, and prepare safe repatriation schemes if conditions permit.
Maman emphasised the importance of establishing a single-point official information centre to prevent panic amongst the families of pilgrims in Indonesia. He believes the government needs to actively provide regular information updates so the public is not influenced by unverified information.
On the other hand, hajj travel organisers have been urged to strengthen coordination with Indonesian representatives abroad to ensure optimal support for pilgrims. Meanwhile, pilgrims have been asked to remain calm and follow directions from local authorities and Indonesian representatives.
Commission VIII of the House of Representatives has ensured that it will continue to monitor the situation until all Indonesian citizens are confirmed to be in a safe condition.
Previously, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated it continues to monitor the conditions of Indonesian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia amid increasing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Based on data from the Computerised System for Hajj and Special Umrah Management (SISKOPATUH), approximately 58,873 Indonesian umrah pilgrims remain in the region. The ministry also called on prospective pilgrims to postpone their departure temporarily.
Tensions in the region increased after Israel launched an attack on Iran on 28 February 2026, which was subsequently followed by military operations by the United States. The situation triggered mutual attacks in several Middle Eastern regions.
The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated it continues to monitor developments and remains open to diplomatic measures to ease tensions.