Middle East Conflict: Minister of Hajj and Umrah Assures Conditions in Saudi Arabia Are Safe and Conducive
Jakarta, 11 March 2026 — Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochammad Irfan Yusuf, commonly known as Gus Irfan, has reported that conditions in Saudi Arabia are secure.
In a working session with Commission VIII of the People’s Consultative Assembly, Gus Irfan assured the safety of umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia following heightened escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
“Security conditions in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, have been reported to be safe and conducive,” stated Gus Irfan during the working session with Commission VIII, on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
The Middle East conflict, following mutual attacks between the United States and Iran, has impacted international flight operations. This has caused several countries in the Gulf region to close their airspace, resulting in delayed returns for Indonesian umrah pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.
“As of 11 March, there are still 50,374 umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, with potentially 14,115 stranded, alongside 1,239 pilgrim service operators. We have called in all related pilgrim service operators,” said Gus Irfan.
Deputy Chair of Commission VIII Abidin Fikri urged the government to guarantee the safety and security of Indonesian umrah pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia. This appeal followed the escalating situation in the Middle East following hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
“The government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and Ministry of Transportation, must conduct intensive coordination to map data of affected pilgrims whilst ensuring provision of emergency accommodation and logistical assistance,” stated Fikri on Wednesday (4 March 2026).
“Anticipatory measures must be prepared immediately. Pilgrims must not remain in uncertainty for too long,” Fikri added.
“The government must be fully present and ensure pilgrims are not abandoned. Their safety and certainty of repatriation must be prioritised,” Fikri emphasised.