Menhaj Assures Hajj Departure Remains on Schedule Amid Middle East Conflict

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has assured that the schedule for the Hajj pilgrimage departure to the Holy Land in 2026 remains on track despite geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. “As of now, it is still according to schedule. Hopefully, until the departure on 22 April, there will be no changes,” he said after attending the Return to Work event with the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) 2026 in Surabaya, East Java, on Tuesday (24/3/2026). He explained that there have been no disruptions to the preparations or the departure schedule for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims so far. According to him, all aspects of services, from accommodation to transportation, have been well-prepared. From the funding side, he said, it is also ready to support as needed. He stated that direct flights to Saudi Arabia are still available and not impacted by the developing geopolitical situation. “We see no suspension of flights. Direct flights to Saudi Arabia are still there. Hopefully, it remains safe,” he said. The Indonesian government is also continuously maintaining intensive communication with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj to monitor the latest developments. “We are always communicating with the Saudi Hajj Ministry team, and up to today, they have stated there are no changes to the schedule,” he said. In addition, he said, the quota for elderly pilgrims still follows the applicable provisions, namely five percent of the total Hajj quota. He also assured that the organisation of Umrah worship remains safe, with strict oversight of the certainty of pilgrims’ return. His side has already gathered organisers to ensure that pilgrims who depart also return safely. The government hopes the situation remains conducive so that the entire series of the 2026 Hajj organisation can run smoothly. Gus Irfan previously stated that his side has prepared several scenarios for organising the 1447 Hijriah/2026 Hajj pilgrimage following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East region, which has begun to impact international flight routes, considering that there is no indication of the conflict subsiding so far. “Considering the dynamics of the regional security situation and the potential disruptions to all international air transportation, comprehensive Hajj organisation scenarios are needed,” said Gus Irfan during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday (11/3/2026).