Middle East Conflict: Cianjur Hajj and Umrah Office Urges Travel Agencies to Postpone Umrah Departures

The Middle East conflict has a significant impact on the conduct of Umrah pilgrimages. In Cianjur Regency, West Java, the local Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has responded to the situation to anticipate its impacts. The head of the Office, Herriyanto, said he had coordinated with all travel services in Cianjur. In principle, the Ministry is urging travel operators to postpone Umrah departures for the time being amid the heated situation in the Middle East. ‘We have urged travel operators to postpone Umrah departures first,’ Herriyanto said on Thursday (5 March). However, he added, the Ministry is only issuing a recommendation. That means the departure policy returns to each Umrah Travel Organiser (PPIU). ‘Perhaps there are PPIUs that have already booked tickets, hotels, etc. Those are returned to the PPIU,’ he said. Given the current escalation in the Middle East, the state must be present to ensure the safety and security of citizens, including ensuring that Umrah pilgrims can perform their rites safely and smoothly. ‘Here, the state is present to safeguard the safety and to ensure that pilgrims can carry out Umrah with devotion, safely and smoothly,’ he concluded.