Middle East Conflict Intensifies, Hajj Minister Assures 2026 Preparations on Track

Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf (Gus Irfan), has stated that preparations for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage continue uninterrupted. He assured that the 2026 hajj will proceed according to schedule despite escalating conflict in the Middle East.

“As of today, our preparations remain on track. Our friends in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj, have also communicated that our preparations are excellent. They are also preparing everything well on their end,” Gus Irfan said at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, 1 March 2026.

He stated that the situation in the Holy Land remains stable at present. Nevertheless, the Hajj Ministry is preparing contingency scenarios to address the worst-case possibility should the conflict continue.

“So as of today, we are assuming everything will proceed smoothly. The situation there will also improve. That is our assumption at present,” he said.

Gus Irfan stated that the 2026 hajj implementation remains aligned with the established schedule. He expressed hope that this progress will be maintained.

“Today we remain on schedule. There have been no changes yet. Alhamdulillah, God willing, this will continue,” said Gus Irfan.

“But I assure you that as of today, all preparations are underway and everything is proceeding. We regard everything as being on schedule. And we pray that this Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr will bring peace to us all,” he added.