Middle East Tensions, Surabaya Umrah Travel: 175 Pilgrims Safe, 35 to Depart Soon

Surabaya, VIVA – A travel bureau for Hajj and Umrah in Surabaya has confirmed that pilgrims currently in the Holy Land are safe, even as security in the Middle East region heats up following the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. KH Husaini Basir, Director of Chatour Travel Hajj and Umrah Travel Bureau, said that there are around 175 Umrah pilgrims currently in Makkah and Madinah to carry out the rites. ‘Another 35 pilgrims are planned to be flown from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia on Monday night,’ he said on Thursday (5 March 2026). Direct Flights According to Husaini, the agency uses direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Surabaya or vice versa. This scheme is considered relatively safe because it does not pass through areas classified as red zones of conflict. ‘This direct route is relatively safer because it passes through routes outside the red zone,’ added Husaini. With this flight pattern, travel agents say pilgrims are not directly affected by security dynamics in several Middle Eastern countries. Responding to Travel Warnings Previously, Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi issued a travel warning to Surabaya residents to postpone travel to the Middle East region. In response, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, hoped that dissemination to the public could be carried out without triggering panic. ‘There are many safe direct routes that are not affected at all by Middle East turmoil,’ he hoped. Travel agents also hope that statements from local authorities do not cause excessive worry among pilgrims. They request the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide a comprehensive explanation so that the public obtains complete information and not misinformation. Amid the dynamic situation, the travel bureau continues to coordinate with related authorities and airlines to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims during their worship in the Holy Land.