In the wake of the conflict, the government unveils 10 joint commitments on Umrah

Jakarta, Indonesia — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) convened a meeting with a number of stakeholders involved in organising Umrah to respond to the evolving security dynamics in the Middle East that affect Umrah travel and to generate 10 commitments. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs (Imipas), the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub), airlines, and the Association of Umrah Travel Organisers (PPIU). ‘Our framework is clear: the safety of pilgrims is paramount. Delays are not cancellations; they are risk mitigation measures. This shows that the state is present to ensure protection, certainty and calm for all pilgrims,’ said Puji Raharjo, Director-General for Hajj and Umrah Arrangements at Kemenhaj, in a Jakarta statement on Wednesday. The meeting aimed to build a shared agreement in facing the impact of the situation in the Middle East, including monitoring developments and risk mitigation steps to ensure the safety and protection of pilgrims. Secondly, all stakeholders commit to exchanging data or updating information needed to handle Umrah travel. Thirdly, Kemlu urges PPIU to consider delaying departures for prospective Umrah pilgrims until airspace security conditions to and from Saudi Arabia are deemed more conducive. Fourth, Kemenhub commits to facilitating extra flight permits and flight clearance for airlines that need them. Fifth, Imipas commits to easing cancellation or postponement of departures for pilgrims/passengers who plan to delay but have already had visas issued. Sixth, airlines commit to providing the best policy for Umrah pilgrims regarding ticket refunds, rescheduling, and rerouting at no additional cost, for accommodation and meals, whether the return journey to Saudi Arabia is delayed or pilgrims are stranded in transit countries, in line with each airline’s policy. Seventh, major airlines commit to facilitating passenger transfers to partner companies and to arranging extra flights to transport pilgrims stranded in Jeddah and Medina. Eighth, PPIUs that still dispatch pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, having binding service contracts and having incurred large costs, must guarantee the safety and security of pilgrims until they return home, and PPIUs must educate pilgrims about the latest conditions in the Middle East. Ninth, PPIUs commit that those not bound by service contracts in Saudi Arabia should consider delaying departures, but if departures proceed, PPIUs must educate pilgrims about the latest conditions in the Middle East. Finally, Kemenhaj will communicate compensation/restitution/refunds for visas, accommodation, meals and ground transport for prospective Umrah pilgrims who fail to depart due to flight bans in several transit countries.