Legislator urges Indonesia to pursue OIC diplomatic channel to ensure safe 2026 hajj
Jakarta — Muhamad Abdul Azis Sefudin, a member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has called on the government to utilise the diplomatic channel of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to ensure the smooth conduct of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage amid escalating Middle Eastern conflict.
“I also urge the government to immediately pursue foreign diplomatic channels. We know that the hajj is not only performed by Indonesia but by Muslims throughout the world,” said Azis in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He urged the government to maximise foreign diplomatic channels, including through the forum of Islamic nations, to ensure that hajj remains safe and uninterrupted.
Azis emphasised that the escalating conflict in the Middle East region, which has the potential to impact the 2026 hajj pilgrimage, necessitates the Indonesian government not only to prepare domestic mitigation measures but also to strengthen international diplomacy.
The forum of Islamic nations, he added, must play a more active role in promoting regional stability ahead of the hajj season.
According to Azis, OIC member states, which will predominantly be sending hajj pilgrims, share a common interest in ensuring security in the Middle East region remains conducive during the hajj season.
“I urge mediation efforts or peace initiatives through the OIC channel,” said Azis.
He expressed hope that through collective diplomatic efforts from Muslim nations, a common ground for peace in the conflict-affected region can be established.
“Muslim nations that will be conducting the hajj pilgrimage need to push for a meeting point for peace. In this way, all OIC member states can ensure their citizens can perform the hajj this year safely and smoothly,” he explained.
Beyond international diplomatic efforts, Azis also stressed the importance of the government preparing various contingency measures against the possibility of escalated conflict during the hajj season.
The safety of Indonesian pilgrims, he emphasised, must remain the top priority in every decision made by the government regarding the 2026 hajj.
“In principle, pilgrim safety remains paramount. Diplomacy must be pursued, mitigation must be prepared, so that our citizens who will perform the hajj can depart and conduct their pilgrimage safely,” concluded Azis.