Government Prepares Multiple Hajj Scenarios if Middle East Escalation Continues

The Indonesian government is preparing multiple scenarios to anticipate the impact of escalating conflict in the Middle East 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 explained that President Prabowo Subianto has directed the preparation of various contingencies should the security situation in the region deteriorate.

“The President’s message is clear – his focus is on ensuring the safety of hajj pilgrims, that is what matters most,” he stated.

One scenario being prepared involves adjusting flight routes to Saudi Arabia should the normally used flight paths be deemed unsafe. According to Dahnil, any route changes would be coordinated with aviation authorities and countries along the proposed routes, including the possibility of routing via southern corridors or through Africa.

Additionally, the government is considering the possibility of postponing departures should the conflict escalation pose a potential threat to pilgrim safety. Such postponement scenarios were previously implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic when hajj had to be delayed for safety reasons.

“Like what happened during COVID, if the situation becomes dangerous to pilgrims and threatens their safety, then a scenario to postpone could emerge if the safety of our citizens is at risk,” he said.

He indicated that the government is currently monitoring developments in the Middle East before making a final decision regarding hajj operations. That decision will subsequently be discussed with parliament and relevant ministries and agencies.

The departure of the first batch of Indonesian hajj pilgrims is scheduled for 22 April, contingent upon security conditions permitting and pilgrim safety being guaranteed.