Indonesian Ministry Calls for Umrah Postponement Amid Middle East Tensions
The situation in the Middle East has escalated following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has consequently urged Indonesian citizens to postpone umrah pilgrimage for safety reasons.
As reported, the US and Israel attacked Iranian territory on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Dozens of bombs reportedly struck the residential complex of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei in Tehran. Khamenei and several senior Iranian military officials were killed in the assault. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory strikes against the US and Israel.
These retaliatory attacks have affected several Middle Eastern nations including Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which host American military bases and assets.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak urged Indonesian citizens to postpone umrah travel until conditions become fully conducive. “We wish to appeal to all umrah pilgrims intending to depart in the near future to postpone their departure temporarily until stability truly returns to the Middle East,” Simanjuntak stated on the Ministry’s Instagram account on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
This measure aims to ensure the security and comfort of all Indonesian citizens intending to perform umrah in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims currently performing umrah in the Holy Land are reminded to maintain coordination with hajj affairs offices, consulates general, and the Indonesian Government in Saudi Arabia.
“The Foreign Ministry is prepared to facilitate and provide information and protection for pilgrims currently performing duties in the Holy Land, and to ensure airlines, hotels, and other parties protect and facilitate all pilgrim needs in the Holy Land,” he said.
Dahnil urged families in Indonesia to remain calm, assuring them that the government remains focused on ensuring the security and comfort of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. He advised returning pilgrims to maintain communication with their travel agencies or, if performing independent umrah, to coordinate with officials at the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Should airlines delay return flights, they have committed to providing temporary accommodation. Extended visas will be provided by the Saudi Arabian government if visas expire, with the Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Hajj and Umrah providing support throughout the return preparations, Dahnil noted.
Dahnil confirmed that preparations for the 2026 hajj season are proceeding normally. He stated there have been no significant impacts on planning and preparations for the 2026 hajj season.
“Hopefully the 2026 hajj season will run smoothly and remain unaffected by Middle East conflicts, and these conflicts will resolve and ease in the near future,” he concluded.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues monitoring the condition of Indonesian umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia amidst escalating Middle East tensions. Approximately 58,873 Indonesian umrah pilgrims are currently in Saudi Arabia.
Director General of Hajj and Umrah Implementation at Kemenhaj, Puji Raharjo, stated that the government continues carefully monitoring the developing situation. According to records from the Computerised Pilgrimage Management System (Siskopatuh), approximately 58,873 Indonesian umrah pilgrims are currently in Saudi Arabia.
“We urge all umrah pilgrims not to panic. Remain calm and continue coordinating with their respective Umrah Travel Organisers (PPIU) to obtain official and current information,” Raharjo stated on 1 March 2026.
Raharjo requested Umrah Travel Organisers to maintain communication with Hajj Affairs Offices, the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, and the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh. Kemenhaj continues working to guarantee the safety of Indonesian pilgrims and urges pilgrim families in Indonesia to remain calm.
“Kemenhaj continues coordinating with relevant agencies, both domestically and in Saudi Arabia, to ensure the security and safety of Indonesian umrah pilgrims remains the highest priority,” he stated.
Several flights to and from Saudi Arabia have been affected by the Middle East situation. Various airlines have reportedly altered routes or delayed flight schedules, affecting the departure and return schedules of Indonesian umrah pilgrims.