Government Prepares Multiple Scenarios for 2026 Hajj Pilgrimage Amid Middle East Conflict
The government is preparing multiple scenarios for conducting the 2026 hajj pilgrimage amid heightened tensions in the Middle East to ensure the safety of Indonesian pilgrims.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s primary directive is to guarantee protection for citizens undertaking the hajj pilgrimage. “The President’s message is clear—his focus is ensuring the safety of hajj pilgrims. This is the most important matter. Therefore, we are preparing various scenarios with the primary orientation of guaranteeing the safety of Indonesian citizens who will undertake the hajj pilgrimage in April,” Dahnil said at the Presidential Complex in Jakarta on the evening of Tuesday, 10 March.
According to Dahnil, the government continues to monitor developments in the Middle East conflict to determine appropriate measures regarding hajj operations. To date, the pilgrims’ departure schedule remains planned according to the original agenda. “If there is no change in scenario or de-escalation of the conflict, and it guarantees the safety of Indonesian citizens embarking on the hajj, then 22 April will become the first wave departure. However, the President’s directive is clear—all conditions and all scenarios must be prepared,” he said.
In addition to preparing various technical options, the government is coordinating across ministries to ensure hajj operations proceed safely. The government has even opened the possibility of discussing options with parliament should security conditions worsen. “We will also discuss various scenarios with parliament should the conflict show signs that could endanger our hajj pilgrims,” Dahnil said.
Among the options being prepared are arrangements for safer flight routes and the possibility of adjusting departure schedules if conditions in the region are deemed unfavourable. “For example, if the situation endangers safety, then a postponement scenario could emerge. Should our citizens’ safety be threatened, we will discuss it with parliament and adjust according to the President’s directive,” he said.
These anticipatory measures, according to Dahnil, represent part of the government’s commitment to ensuring Indonesian pilgrims can perform their religious duties safely amid a global situation that remains unstable.
Deputy Chair of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Abidin Fikri, emphasised that as yet there has been no official explanation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding alleged postponement of hajj operations. The current phase involves the grouping process of pilgrims, known in hajj terminology as grouping or wave assignment of prospective pilgrims.
Members of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives are optimistic that the transition of hajj administration responsibility from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to the Ministry of Hajj will not disrupt the quality of 2026 hajj services. Garuda Indonesia has donated one aircraft unit for practical training facilities at the Class I Hajj Dormitory in Aceh, designed as a means for direct practice by prospective pilgrims.
The Saudi Arabian government officially began issuing 2026 hajj visas or 1447 Hijri on Sunday, 8 February, coinciding with 20 Sha’ban 1447 AH. The Ministry of Hajj and authorised hajj travel agencies have agreed on ten mitigation measures regarding the impact of Middle East conflict on pilgrims, including ticket refund policies and departure postponement options.