Indonesian Embassy in Saudi Arabia Provides Accommodation for Stranded Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian government, through the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Saudi Arabia, has prepared accommodation for Indonesian Umrah pilgrims who remain stranded in the country. Acting Director of the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Ministry, Heni Hamidah, said that the accommodation and logistical support are provided for Indonesian citizens who are still waiting for a return flight schedule.
“For these stranded Indonesian citizens (the accommodation), they are awaiting the flights that will bring them home,” she said.
The Indonesian mission has deployed a 24-hour monitoring team at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah. The pilgrims whose repatriation is still delayed are continuously assisted by Indonesian representatives and travel providers to ensure their basic needs are met. “They are being provided with accommodation or lodging near Jeddah and Madinah airports while waiting for available return tickets,” she said.
Furthermore, the Foreign Ministry continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to anticipate further impacts of the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East. “The mission is currently exploring various flights to secure additional air services to the region,” Heni added.
Background: The Middle East conflict has intensified after Iran was targeted by strikes from Israel and the United States on Saturday morning local time. The strikes occurred in the context of stalled nuclear talks between the US and Iran held in Geneva, Switzerland. Shortly thereafter, US President Donald Trump officially announced that the United States would join Israel in striking Iran. Iran retaliated by launching several missiles at sites connected to US military operations. The bases attacked included Al Udeid in Qatar, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra in the United Arab Emirates, and the Fifth Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain. As a result, several major transit airports in the Middle East were paralysed. Indonesian Umrah pilgrims were also affected by the disruption. According to the Computerised Management System for Umrah and Special Hajj (SISKOPATUH), around 58,873 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims are currently in Saudi Arabia.