Just Back from Umrah, Rano Karno Reveals Conditions in Mecca Amid Middle East Conflict

Jakarta’s Vice Governor Rano Karno has shared his experience after performing Umrah amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While the rites in the Holy Cities proceeded normally, the regional conflict is beginning to affect the return flow of international pilgrims. He explained that Indonesian pilgrims travelling direct are relatively safe from disruption, but those taking transit through neighbouring countries face major challenges. “Alhamdulillah, it also needs to be clarified; insyaallah for pilgrims who fly directly there is no disruption. But those who transit via Qatar or Abu Dhabi have all stopped,” Rano said at City Hall in Jakarta on Thursday (5/3). He noted that tens of thousands of Indonesian pilgrims have not yet been able to return home, with more than 38,000 awaiting confirmation of their return flights. Nevertheless, direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Jakarta are still operating, with at least three airlines serving the route: Saudi Airlines, Lion Air, and Garuda. Rano also recounted his experience on the journey home, observing that many foreign nationals used direct flights to depart the region. He even heard of a passenger who had to undertake a long land journey to catch a flight: “There was one person from Doha who took a taxi to Riyadh. The taxi fare was almost Rp28 million, then he boarded a Garuda flight,” he said. Despite the evolving geopolitics, he emphasised that the Holy City remains relatively safe, with worship activities in Mecca and Medina continuing normally. “Insya Allah Mecca and Medina are relatively safe; there is no problem,” he added. Rano hopes the conflict in the region will end soon so that flight operations and pilgrim travel can return to normal.”