Legislator Calls for Clear Umrah Pilgrim Repatriation Scheme
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Selly Andriany Gantina, a member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has called on the government to provide protection and prepare a clear repatriation scheme for Indonesian umrah pilgrims affected by conflict in the Middle East region.
“The state must ensure there is a clear, measurable repatriation scheme with certainty regarding timeline. Pilgrims must not be left in uncertainty due to global dynamics beyond their control,” Selly said as quoted in Jakarta on Sunday.
It is understood that more than 58,000 Indonesian umrah pilgrims are currently unable to return home on schedule due to disruptions to international flights triggered by escalating regional conflict.
This situation places thousands of Indonesian citizens in a vulnerable position, in terms of travel certainty, security, and service provision.
Selly noted that an official statement issued by the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh emphasised that the government continues to monitor the situation intensively and is taking anticipatory measures to ensure the safety of all Indonesian citizens, including umrah pilgrims.
In the statement, the government outlined several important measures as part of the state protection system.
According to Selly, the official statement represents an important initial step, but must be followed by concrete and systematic measures to ensure certainty regarding the pilgrims’ return.
Furthermore, Selly stated that the current situation represents an important opportunity to evaluate the crisis mitigation system for umrah worship arrangements.
Selly emphasised that at least three strategic aspects must be strengthened going forward. First, strengthening the pilgrims’ protection system as part of citizen protection.
She believes there is a need for structured crisis protocols, including alternative repatriation schemes, logistics protection, and service certainty whilst pilgrims are affected by emergency situations.
Second, strengthening accountability of umrah pilgrimage travel organisers to ensure they have crisis management readiness and that pilgrims do not bear the burden of global risks.
Third, strengthening inter-ministerial coordination and representation of the state abroad, to ensure the state’s response is swift, coordinated, and oriented towards the safety of citizens.
“This situation confirms that umrah pilgrimage arrangements cannot be separated from global geopolitical dynamics,” she said.
She also urged the government to provide updates on the situation transparently and regularly to the public and pilgrims’ families, to ensure information clarity and prevent prolonged anxiety.