Indonesians Urged to Postpone Umrah, Middle East Situation Critical
Jakarta – Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged Indonesian citizens to postpone plans to depart for the Holy Land for umrah pilgrimage in the near term. This advisory has emerged amid a tense situation in the Middle East following US-Israeli military strikes against Iran.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Wamenhaj) Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak affirmed that the advisory represents a precautionary measure by the government to ensure the safety of its citizens.
“Considering the uncertain conditions in the Middle East and the escalating tensions, we advise umrah pilgrims planning to depart in the near term to postpone their departure,” said the deputy minister in Jakarta on Sunday, 1 March.
The government has also requested umrah pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia and their families in Indonesia to remain calm and not panic.
According to data from the Computerised System for Managing Umrah and Special Hajj (SISKOPATUH), 58,873 Indonesian umrah pilgrims are currently in Saudi Arabia. Escalating conflict in the Middle East places them at risk of being unable to return home soon due to numerous flight cancellations.
As reported, America, together with Israel, attacked Iran on Saturday, 28 February, killing the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran subsequently retaliated, striking not only Israel but also countries hosting US military bases, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar.
The critical situation resulting from military strikes in the Middle East has prompted numerous airlines to cancel flights to the region.
Among airlines announcing flight suspensions to Middle East destinations are Aegean Airlines, Air Algerie, Air France, Air India, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Emirates, Finnair, Iberia, IndiGo, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air.