HNW Pushes for Hajj Diplomacy to Halt Middle East War

Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI and Member of the DPR RI’s Commission VIII, Hidayat Nur Wahid (HNW), is pushing for strengthened diplomacy to halt the war. This aims to create peace ahead of the 1447 H/2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

He expressed this during a halal bihalal gathering with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, H.E. Faisal Abdullah Amody, in Jakarta on Wednesday (15/6/2026). Also present were the MPR Chairman and leaders of the PKB and PKS factions in the DPR.

The meeting took place amid rising escalation of conflicts in the Middle East region, which could impact the global economy and the Hajj pilgrimage, both in terms of security and financing, particularly the aviation sector due to rising avtur prices.

In front of the attendees, HNW stated that the Hajj pilgrimage should serve as a momentum to stop the war and bring peace to Muslims and the global community. According to him, if such peace could be realised, it could be permanent by halting the war entirely.

“I am reiterating the opinion I once expressed during the Working Meeting of Commission VIII of the DPR RI with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, and my hopes and support to the Saudi Arabian Ambassador, so that the Hajj pilgrimage can become a momentum to stop the war with all its negative impacts, and bring peace, not only in the Haramain area (Mecca and Medina/Saudi Arabia),” said HNW in his statement on Thursday (16/4/2026).

“But also along the entire journey routes of pilgrims from their respective countries, such as from Iran, the United States, and other countries involved in the war, to Saudi Arabia. So that the entire process leading to and performing the Hajj runs safely and conducive, allowing pilgrims to worship in tranquillity and devotion. Their prayers for peace, justice, and global welfare can be realised,” added Hidayat.

Therefore, in that meeting, HNW called on all parties involved in the war, especially the United States, Israel, and Iran, to stop the war with all its negative escalations that have broad impacts on global stability. This includes impacts on the Hajj pilgrimage involving Muslims from around the world, including from the US and Iran themselves.

According to him, the destructive impacts of the war condemn various military attacks targeting civilian and non-military facilities, whether occurring in Iran or in Saudi Arabian territories, as they violate principles of international law.

“I have long rejected military attacks on non-military targets, public facilities like schools or hospitals in Iran, or attacks on vital facilities in Saudi Arabia such as Aramco. Because that clearly violates international law and endangers regional stability, which could lead to a global economic crisis,” he revealed.

HNW also positively welcomed various initiatives to stop the US and Israel vs Iran war to bring peace to the region, such as efforts by Pakistan. However, HNW proposed that to truly stop the war and bring peace, such initiatives need to be expanded to be comprehensive and fulfil aspects of justice.

“Pakistan’s war cessation initiative, to bring peace with justice, needs to broaden its spectrum to cover the entire region, not just US-Iran by including Lebanon, but also stopping the war and bringing peace to Palestine and Gulf countries,” he stated.

“So that it can bring justice and realise comprehensive peace. Moreover, there has already been intensive communication between the Iranian and Saudi Foreign Ministers, and the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, among others,” he continued.

He emphasised that Indonesia, as a country with the largest number of Hajj pilgrims at 221,000, has a significant interest in regional stability, with the cessation of all forms of war and military attacks. This aims for Hajj implementation diplomacy for peace to also become an important part of efforts by Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to succeed the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

In addition, HNW along with the attending ulama and figures also expressed appreciation for the Saudi Ambassador’s affirmation regarding security guarantees and the conduct of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. They also welcomed the positive performance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving and safeguarding Haramain asy-Syarifain (Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid Nabawi in Medina), which is closely related to the Hajj procession traditionally attended by pilgrims.

HNW also reminded of the fate of Masjid Al-Aqsa, which remains under Israeli control. He urged Saudi Arabia to be more active and effective in saving and liberating Masjid Al-Aqsa from Israeli control. It is hoped that Saudi Arabia will lead effectively in defending/saving Masjid Al-Aqsa, the first qibla of Muslims, and Masjid Al-Haram, which will add to its nobility.

“Therefore, everyone hopes that all parties can prioritise human welfare by stopping the war. Bringing peace by reducing conflict escalation to achieve stability in the region, which will have positive impacts on safety from economic and political crisis effects,” he said.

“And to ensure the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage runs well, safely, and peacefully, without surging costs. Thus, Muslims worldwide, including those from the US or Iran, can perform the Hajj safely, peacefully, and devoutly. The cessation of war and the presence of global justice-based peace, including the liberation of Masjid Al-Aqsa, means the 2026 Hajj can truly become an important momentum to bring global cooperation and the unity of the Muslim ummah at the world level, which will only bring benefits to all humanity,” Hidayat concluded.