Middle East conflict threatens Hajj and Umrah flights, government must anticipate

The Middle East conflict involving Iran and the United States–Israel bloc could threaten Hajj and Umrah flights. Dini Rahmania, a member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), urged the government to anticipate potential disruptions. The situation warrants serious attention as it could affect the safety and smoothness of Indonesian pilgrims’ journeys to Saudi Arabia. The legislator from East Java’s Electoral District II emphasised the importance of state presence to ensure Indonesian pilgrims who are currently in or about to undertake their rites in Saudi Arabia are kept safe. In addition, pilgrims should receive clear, accurate, and transparent information about developments. Dini also noted that departures of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are scheduled to begin on 22 April. Therefore, she asked that the readiness of the Hajj Affairs Office and all Indonesian representations in Saudi Arabia be optimised so they can provide guidance and a rapid response should an emergency arise. In addition to government readiness, oversight of Umrah Travel Organisers (PPIU) should be tightened. ‘This year’s Hajj preparations must remain optimal while still adapting to global developments. We must not panic, but we must not be complacent either. Risk mitigation must be prepared from the outset so that pilgrims can perform their rites calmly and devoutly,’ said Dini. Earlier, the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah held a meeting with several stakeholders involved in arranging Umrah to respond to security dynamics in the Middle East region that affect Umrah travel. The meeting produced 10 joint commitments. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services, the Ministry of Transportation, airlines, and PPIUs. One of the commitments agreed upon was the establishment of an integrated coordination centre among stakeholders, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services, airlines, and PPIUs. In that meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged PPIUs to consider delaying departures of prospective Umrah pilgrims temporarily until airspace security conditions to and from Saudi Arabia are assessed as more conducive.