Middle East War: Prabowo to Proceed with Hajj Pilgrimage Departure Unless Prohibited by Saudi Arabia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, stated that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered him to prioritise the safety of Hajj pilgrims, given the ongoing Middle East war.

Irfan emphasised that the first batch of Hajj pilgrims will be flown to Saudi Arabia on 22 April 2026. He hopes that Prabowo can personally see off the pilgrims.

“We are focusing on the safety and security of the pilgrims. Security encompasses safe travel from Indonesia to there and back, security during their stay in Saudi Arabia, and we cannot overlook the security of logistics supporting the pilgrims’ activities there,” said Irfan during a press conference at the Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (15/4/2026).

“Yesterday, President Prabowo said, ‘As long as there is no statement prohibiting departure from the Saudi government, insyaallah Indonesia will continue to carry out or send its Hajj pilgrims’. Unless there is a different statement from the Saudi government,” he explained.

Irfan then mentioned that visas for Hajj pilgrims are almost all completed, even since mid-Ramadan last.

“I say, we hope all Hajj pilgrims are healthy. Because from previous years’ experience, pilgrims who have had their visas prepared end up falling ill or passing away close to departure, and so on, nearly 3,000 in previous years,” said Irfan.

“A fairly large number that we must quickly address; we hope there are no empty seats,” he added.