Middle East Conflict Escalation: Ministry of Hajj Prioritises Safety of 2026 Pilgrimage
The Government has reaffirmed that the safety of Indonesian hajj pilgrims is its top priority amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, who emphasised that all hajj-related policies will be grounded in maximum protection of Indonesian citizens.
According to Dahnil, the directive came directly from President Prabowo Subianto to ensure the security of pilgrims performing the hajj pilgrimage.
“The President’s order is very clear: to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens performing the hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrim safety must be the top priority in every policy and step we take,” Dahnil stated during a press briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
He explained that the Government is currently monitoring developments in the Middle East, which are considered highly dynamic. These conditions represent an important factor being carefully considered in the organisation of this year’s pilgrimage.
“The situation in the Middle East is currently very dynamic and is certainly an important consideration. Therefore, we have been tasked with carefully preparing various scenarios and ensuring that all risk mitigation measures are properly prepared,” Dahnil said.
As part of precautionary measures, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is preparing several scenarios and risk mitigation strategies to address various possibilities that could affect the organisation of the hajj pilgrimage.
All such scenarios, Dahnil continued, will subsequently be discussed comprehensively with the People’s Consultative Assembly as part of the Government’s decision-making mechanism.
“We are preparing various scenarios and risk mitigation measures comprehensively. All scenarios must be prepared carefully so that the Government is ready to face various contingencies. Scenarios will be prepared carefully and will be discussed with Parliament,” he said.
Meanwhile, regarding the performance of umrah (minor pilgrimage), the Government is also advising the public to postpone departure in the near term. This advisory aligns with recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“For umrah pilgrims, in line with advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we advise members of the public planning to perform umrah in the near term to postpone their travel until the situation becomes more conducive,” Dahnil clarified.
With a careful approach based on risk mitigation, the Government hopes that the performance of hajj and umrah pilgrimages can continue to take place safely and orderly, whilst providing the best protection for all Indonesian pilgrims.