Middle East Conflict: Foreign Ministry Deploys Team to Monitor Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry (Kemlu) has deployed a monitoring team to oversee Indonesian Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions in the Middle East after the United States and Israel attacked Iran. ‘For handling of stranded Indonesian Umrah pilgrims, the Indonesian representation deployed a 24-hour monitoring team at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah,’ said Acting Director of the Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) Heni Hamidah, at a press conference at the Kemlu office in Jakarta on Friday (6/3/2026). ‘Pilgrims whose repatriation is still pending, under the coordination of the mission and travel operators, are being provided accommodations or lodging near the Jeddah and Madinah airports while awaiting available return tickets.’ Currently, the Ministry continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) to monitor the pilgrims and the situation in the Middle East. ‘The Foreign Ministry is coordinating with Kemenhaj and has also issued a call to postpone travel to the Middle East until the situation is more conducive,’ Heni said. The remarks followed the intensifying tensions in the Middle East after the conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran. ‘The government through the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the Ministry of Transportation must conduct intensive coordination to map out the data of affected pilgrims, as well as ensure emergency accommodation and logistical assistance,’ said Fikri in a statement on Wednesday (4/3/2026). Therefore, he also urged the government to devise mitigation steps to guarantee the safety of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia. The government could consider possible diversion of flight routes and prepare a phased evacuation plan if the escalation of the conflict increases. ‘Proactive measures must be prepared immediately. Do not let pilgrims be left in uncertainty for too long,’ said Fikri. ‘The government must be fully present and ensure that pilgrims are not stranded. Their safety and the certainty of their repatriation must be a priority,’ added Fikri.