Himpuh Requests Government Relief Following Umrah Pilgrims' Delayed Departure
The Association of Umrah and Hajj Organisers (Himpuh) is requesting government relief measures following the postponement of departures by numerous pilgrims due to escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Himpuh Chairman Firman Taufik expressed hope that the government would take constructive steps following the situation where hundreds of pilgrims are now stranded, from departure point to destination.
“If it’s merely guidance without solutions, it seems inadequate with the dignity of a ministry that should always be present for pilgrims,” said Firman when reached on Monday (2 March).
Based on Himpuh data, Firman stated, the impact of escalating conflict and airspace closures across nearly all Middle Eastern countries has resulted in pilgrims being stranded in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and transit countries.
However, Firman noted that what weighs most heavily on umrah organisers is the postponement for pilgrims due to depart. This is because they have already prepared all pilgrims’ needs in Saudi Arabia, from logistics and transport to accommodation. Himpuh, Firman said, supports the government’s decision to temporarily suspend all umrah departures to Saudi Arabia.
However, he argued that the government must also take mitigation measures regarding preparations already completed by pilgrims.
“They have already made payments to organisers for hotels, tickets and so forth. The government must clarify what position these payments will be in,” said Firman.
The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised prospective umrah pilgrims scheduled to depart for the Holy Land in the coming period to postpone their journeys amid security instability in the Middle East resulting from the Israel-Iran conflict.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak emphasised that the advisory represented government caution in ensuring the safety of Indonesian citizens.
“Considering the unstable conditions in the Middle East and the escalating situation, we advise umrah pilgrims scheduled to depart soon to postpone their journeys,” said the Deputy Minister in Jakarta on Sunday (1 March).