Head of Commission VIII Wants Hajj Preparations to Continue, but Emergency Scenario Must Be Prepared

Jakarta – Marwan Dasopang, Chairman of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, has urged the government to maintain preparations for Indonesian hajj pilgrims’ departure amid the conflict occurring in the Middle East.

Marwan believes that hajj pilgrims must still be prepared to depart, but the government must also have an emergency scenario in place.

“In principle, we urge the government to continue with the preparations according to the schedule that has been set. Our hajj pilgrims should still depart, but the government and the Minister of Hajj must have an emergency scenario,” said Marwan when met at the House of Representatives building on Friday, 13 March 2026.

However, in the context of an uncertain geopolitical situation, the government must have a backup plan should the conflict escalate further.

Marwan suggested that one scenario requiring preparation is the possibility that hajj pilgrims cannot depart if the war escalation widens and jeopardises safety. In such circumstances, the government must ensure that all transactions already conducted, including with airlines and various related parties, do not go to waste.

To anticipate this, he requested that the Minister of Hajj coordinate across ministries and agencies, including with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, immigration, and airlines, to prepare alternative flight routes that do not pass through conflict zones.

“If it goes through other countries, it certainly requires permission. Even in the air, it still requires permission. For this reason, communication steps should already be underway now in case an emergency situation occurs,” said Marwan.

Marwan emphasised that the safety of citizens must be the top priority in every government policy.

He also reminded that the decision to cancel hajj departure is not in the hands of the Minister of Hajj, but rather falls under the authority of the head of state.

Therefore, according to Marwan, the Minister of Hajj must continually report developments in the international situation to the President so that the government has a clear picture before making decisions regarding the conduct of the 2026 hajj.

“I believe the President certainly knows better than the hajj minister about the international situation. Especially since he has a broader network. What are the targets of various parties regarding this conflict,” said Marwan.