Government Prepares Contingency Scenarios for Hajj Including Delayed Departures and Route Changes
Jakarta (ANTARA) — The Indonesian government is preparing multiple contingency scenarios to mitigate the impact of escalating conflicts in the Middle Eastern region on this year’s hajj pilgrimage, with the primary focus on ensuring the safety of Indonesian pilgrims.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, following attendance at the Nuzulul Quran commemoration at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, explained that President Prabowo Subianto’s directive is to prepare for various possibilities that could occur should security conditions in the region deteriorate.
“The President’s directive is singular — his focus is ensuring the safety of hajj pilgrims, and that is paramount,” he stated.
One contingency scenario being prepared is the adjustment of flight routes to Saudi Arabia should the normally utilised flight paths be deemed unsafe. According to Danhil, such route modifications would be coordinated with aviation authorities and several countries along the flight path, including potential alternatives through southern routes or via Africa.
Additionally, the government is also considering a scenario of delaying pilgrim departures should the escalation of conflict pose a potential threat to pilgrim safety. Such scenarios, he noted, were previously implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic when hajj arrangements had to be postponed for safety reasons.
“As occurred during Covid previously, if the situation becomes dangerous to pilgrims — threatening their safety — then a scenario for postponement could emerge should our citizens’ safety be at risk,” he said.
He stated that the government is currently monitoring developments in the Middle Eastern region before making a final decision regarding hajj arrangements. This decision will subsequently be discussed with Parliament (DPR) and relevant ministries and agencies.
The first cohort of Indonesian hajj pilgrims is currently scheduled to depart on 22 April, provided that security conditions permit and pilgrim safety can be guaranteed.