Middle East Tensions Mount, Government Says Hajj Will Proceed as Planned

Tangerang, Kompas.com - Deputy Minister of Hajj (Wamenhaj) of the Republic of Indonesia Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak has confirmed that preparations for the 1447 Hijri Hajj pilgrimage are still on track despite escalated security tensions in the Middle East. “There are no obstacles. Up to today, the preparations for the Hajj remain smooth. No impacts have been felt on the preparations for the pilgrimage,” Dahnil said at Grand El Hajj Banten, on Tuesday (3 March 2026). “The preparations for Hajj, including catering, hotels, transport, and flights, as well as all preparation arrangements, are in place. Including payments,” he added. Dahnil noted that the remaining stage now is the process of clustering or grouping of the Hajj pilgrims, known in pilgrimage terms as grouping. “This year the programme is proceeding faster. About 95 percent of the preparations are complete; only grouping remains. Grouping means the pilgrims are divided into kloters,” he said. He expressed hope that all the plans that have been matured will run well so that pilgrims from across Indonesia can perform the rites according to schedule. “This year everything is ready. We are confident that the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage or 1447 Hijri will not be affected, so that all Indonesian pilgrims can depart according to the schedule,” he said. Meanwhile, for Umrah pilgrims who plan to depart from this month until April 2026, the Wamenhaj urged that departures be postponed temporarily until the situation allows. “To prevent things we do not want, especially as the escalation increases, we urge postponement of departures,” he said. Then, for Umrah pilgrims who have already arrived in the Middle East, Dahnil assured that the country will protect the safety of its people. “Do not worry, stay calm. The state will be present; our team at the Ministry of Hajj is also on 24-hour standby at all terminals in the Holy Land, including colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Dahnil added.