Hajj Amidst War: Deputy Hajj Minister Assures Saudi Guarantees All is Well

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj), Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has assured that the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage will proceed safely despite global conflicts in various regions. The Saudi Arabian government, he said, has provided full guarantees for the smooth organisation of this year’s Hajj. Dahnil emphasised that the situation in Saudi Arabia remains under control to date. “Up to today, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s government assures that everything is fine. Everything can be controlled, and they guarantee that this year’s Hajj process can run well,” Dahnil stated after seeing off hundreds of Indonesian Hajj officials from the Madinah Daker at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory in East Jakarta on Friday (17/4/2026). He also invited pilgrims not to worry excessively about the global situation. According to him, the Hajj pilgrimage actually carries a message of peace that should serve as a reflection for countries currently in conflict. “I am confident that all countries in conflict today understand that this 2026 Hajj carries a message of peace; after all, Hajj is truly a message of peace, equality, protection for women, not harming plants, and even animals must not be harmed,” said Dahnil. He also expressed his belief that world leaders in conflict can grasp the values of peace contained within the Hajj pilgrimage. However, on the other hand, he stressed the importance of the role of Hajj officials in providing optimal service to Indonesian pilgrims who have special characteristics. “This year, we are sending more than 400 officials in stages. They must fully serve the pilgrims,” he explained. Dahnil revealed that around 177,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are considered high-risk due to comorbidities. Additionally, demographically, most pilgrims require intensive accompaniment. “55,000 of our pilgrims did not complete primary school. It can even be said that 100,000 of them are flying for the first time, going abroad for the first time,” said Dahnil. According to him, this condition makes the task of Hajj officials even heavier. They not only accompany spiritually but also technically and administratively. “Around 30 percent of our pilgrims are also farmers. Then about 25 percent are ordinary workers and employees. So, the task for you officials is heavy,” he said. Therefore, Dahnil emphasised that the main focus of the officials is to ensure all pilgrims can perform their worship safely, comfortably, and devoutly amid the dynamic global situation.