House Speaker Calls for Mitigation Measures for 2026 Hajj Amid Middle East Conflict
House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has expressed concern about the implementation of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage amid Middle East conflict following US-Israel strikes on Iran. Puan has called on relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, to take mitigation steps in response to the escalating situation.
“First and foremost regarding hajj, clearly with such a global geopolitical situation, whatever issues or matters related to this religious obligation must be able to be carried out as well as possible,” Puan said at Parliament complex, Senayan, Central Jakarta, Thursday (12 March 2026).
Puan hopes the government will prepare mitigation measures for the 2026 Hajj implementation. She has also requested related commissions in the House to oversee the hajj policy for this year proceeds smoothly.
“However, we also request all relevant parties to conduct evaluation and mitigation or anticipation regarding what is currently happening,” said Puan.
Puan hopes that the safety of pilgrims will be prioritised. She hopes the hajj implementation this year will proceed without incident.
“So of course the House of Representatives, through the relevant commission, will conduct assessment, evaluation and matters that must be done with a situation like this to be able to provide safety, continue to provide safety and comfort for Indonesian hajj pilgrims who will, God willing, continue to perform their hajj worship,” she added.
Previously, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf stated that 2026 hajj preparations continue to proceed. He said the 2026 hajj implementation remains on schedule despite escalating Middle East conflict.
“Until today our preparations continue. Our friends in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj also communicate that our preparations are good. They are also preparing everything well over there,” said Irfan at Parliament complex, Senayan, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (11 March).
He stated that the situation in the Holy Land remains good to date. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Hajj is also preparing several scenarios to face the possibility of the worst case if war continues.
“So until today, we assume everything will proceed well. The situation there will also improve. That is our assumption to date,” said Irfan.
“Today we are still on schedule. There have been no changes. Thank God, hopefully this continues as it is,” he added.