Government Prepares Four Scenarios for Hajj Pilgrimage Amid Iran-US-Israel Conflict

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar, is preparing four contingency scenarios regarding the departure of Indonesian pilgrims for the hajj pilgrimage amid escalating tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.

He expressed hope that the conflict in the Middle East region will ease soon, allowing this year’s hajj proceedings to proceed as planned.

“Our main scenario now is clearly the safety of hajj pilgrims, and hopefully the hajj pilgrimage can be conducted as planned. That is our hope. However, other scenarios are still being prepared,” Dahnil said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (10 March).

Dahnil outlined several scenarios being prepared by the government.

First, the government is developing a flight safety scenario with plans to establish safe flight routes. The government will coordinate with aviation authorities in Saudi Arabia and several other countries.

“There are different routes available, for example through southern routes, and also through Africa,” he explained.

Additionally, he acknowledged a scenario to postpone pilgrim departures should the conflict continue unresolved until 22 April, which coincides with the scheduled departure of the first batch.

He noted that the scenarios being prepared would be discussed with the Indonesian Parliament.

“Then there is a scenario similar to COVID previously — if it becomes dangerous for pilgrims, for instance, and threatens their safety, then a postponement scenario could materialise,” he said.

Dahnil emphasised that the government’s priority in this matter is ensuring the safety of Indonesian hajj pilgrims.

He stated that this is a key concern highlighted by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

“The President’s instruction was that all conditions and all scenarios must be prepared. The orientation I mentioned — ensuring pilgrim safety is the priority,” he said.