Middle East Security Escalation: Ministry of Religious Affairs Closely Monitors Safety of 58,873 Pilgrims

Security escalation in the Middle East region has impacted numerous flights to and from Saudi Arabia. Several airlines have reported route changes and flight schedule delays as precautionary measures in response to regional dynamics.

This situation automatically affects the departure and return schedules of Indonesian umrah pilgrims, both those currently in the Holy Land and those awaiting departure from Indonesia.

Based on data from the Computerised System for Management of Umrah and Special Hajj (SISKOPATUH), 58,873 Indonesian umrah pilgrims are currently in Saudi Arabia. The government ensures all pilgrims’ conditions are monitored through strict coordination with Indonesian representatives and local authorities.

The Director General of Hajj and Umrah Management at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Puji Raharjo, stated that his office continues to monitor developments in the situation carefully.

“We appeal to all umrah pilgrims not to panic. Remain calm and continue coordinating with your respective Umrah Travel Organisers (PPIU) to obtain official and up-to-date information,” said Puji Raharjo in a statement received on Saturday (28 February).

Puji also instructed all PPIUs to establish active communication with the Hajj Affairs Office (KUH), the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, and the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh. This aims to ensure that any change in the situation on the ground can be addressed quickly and appropriately.

“The Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to coordinate with relevant agencies, both domestically and in Saudi Arabia, to ensure that the safety and security of Indonesian umrah pilgrims remains the top priority,” he emphasised.

The government is committed to providing maximum protection by prioritising pilgrim safety and comfort. The Ministry of Religious Affairs also asked families in Indonesia to remain calm.

The state ensures its presence through intensive monitoring to ensure pilgrims continue to receive good service. Families are urged not to be influenced by issues or information from unclear sources. To obtain valid information, the public is advised to continue communicating through their respective PPIUs so that every development comes from official channels that can be held accountable.