Government Urged to Pursue Diplomatic Channels with OIC to Ensure 2026 Hajj Security

JAKARTA — A member of Commission VIII of the People’s Consultative Assembly, Muhamad Abdul Azis Sefudin, has urged the government to pursue diplomatic channels to ensure that the hajj pilgrimage proceeds safely and smoothly amidst escalating conflict in the Middle East.

According to Azis, the conflict between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other could potentially impact the implementation of the 2026 hajj.

“I am also encouraging the government to immediately undertake foreign diplomatic efforts. We know that the hajj is not only performed by Indonesians, but by Muslims throughout the world,” said Azis at the House of Representatives complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (11 March 2026).

Given the shared interests at stake, Azis argued that countries with Muslim-majority populations must ensure that the security situation in the Middle East remains conducive during the hajj season.

“I am encouraging mediation efforts or peace initiatives through the channels of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC,” said Azis.

Through diplomatic pressure from Islamic nations, Azis hopes to foster peace-building efforts in the conflict region.

Beyond diplomatic efforts, Azis also requested that the government prepare various contingency measures in case conflict escalation intensifies ahead of the hajj season.

For Azis, the safety of Indonesian pilgrims must remain the government’s primary priority in every decision it makes.

“Diplomacy must be pursued, mitigation must be prepared, so that our citizens who will perform the hajj can depart and conduct their pilgrimage safely,” he said.

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, previously confirmed that preparations for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage are proceeding as planned to date.

Nevertheless, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is already beginning to prepare various contingency schemes relating to the 2026 hajj.

“Today we are still on schedule. There have been no changes. Alhamdulillah. Hopefully this continues as planned,” said Irfan following a meeting with Commission VIII at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta.

Irfan also confirmed that all preparations relating to the dispatch of prospective hajj pilgrims in 2026 remain on track.