Middle East Tensions: Umrah Travel Agents Urged to Coordinate with Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Purwakarta Umrah Office

Following brutal and devastating attacks from Israel and the United States against Iran on Saturday, 28 February, the world was shaken. The Head of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Office in Purwakarta Regency, Syamsi Mufti, has called upon umrah pilgrims to exercise caution and maintain conducive conditions. Additionally, Mufti urged pilgrims to continue praying for safety given the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Mufti also warned travel agents to maintain constant coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Office in Purwakarta Regency to ensure good and intensive communication so that umrah pilgrims departing from Purwakarta are organised properly with adequate security guarantees.

“Travel operators and those departing independently are expected to maintain more intensive coordination and communication for our collective welfare, particularly as the situation in the Middle East is heating up,” said Syamsi Mufti, speaking at his office on Monday, 2 March.

Mufti also requested that travel agents report the number and schedule of departures so that monitoring would be easier and coordination improved should any unexpected situations arise.

Meanwhile, Operational Manager of Al Muhajirin Tour and Travel, Lia Nurhayati, stated that the company had dispatched 23 umrah pilgrims in two batches. The first batch departed on 16 February and will return on 3 March 2026, comprising 12 pilgrims. The second batch departed on 23 February and will return on 2 March 2026, comprising 11 pilgrims.

“As the operator, I can assure that the 23 pilgrims returning on 2 March who departed through Al Muhajirin Tour and Travel Purwakarta are safe,” said Lia Nurhayati.

Lia added that return difficulties occurred only for the first batch due to the use of Qatar Airways, which transits in Qatar, whilst Emirates and Etihad transit in Dubai.

“Although there is no certainty yet whether the first group’s aircraft will be changed due to the transit stop, what is clear is that umrah pilgrims remain safe as they are currently staying in hotels in Medina,” Lia explained.

Al Muhajirin Tour and Travel has also registered prospective umrah pilgrims scheduled to depart in Shawwal on 1 April 2026, with 24 candidates having submitted visa applications, plus an additional 6 newly registered candidates.