Minister: 50,000 Umrah Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, 14,000 Stranded

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has revealed that approximately 50,374 Indonesian umrah pilgrims currently remain in Saudi Arabia. According to Irfan, of this figure, 14,115 are stranded due to escalating conflicts in Middle Eastern nations, of which 1,239 are from umrah organising committees (PPIU).

“As of 11 March, there are still 50,374 umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, with approximately 14,115 potentially stranded or trapped, including 1,239 from PPIU,” Irfan stated during a Commission VIII session in Parliament on Wednesday (11/3).

Irfan noted that the Iran-United States-Israel conflict continues to intensify in the Middle Eastern region with no signs of abating in the near term. However, based on reports from the Saudi Arabian government, the situation in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah remains stable. According to Irfan, pilgrims are still able to perform umrah worship peacefully and without significant disruption.

“Pilgrims currently in those areas are able to carry out their worship peacefully and without meaningful interference,” he stated.

Nonetheless, Irfan indicated that the government will soon prepare worst-case scenarios, particularly to mitigate potential disruptions during the hajj season, preparations for which will commence on 22 April.

Irfan acknowledged that President Prabowo Subianto has issued instructions for the government to ensure the safety of pilgrims given the heightened tensions. “This aligns with the President’s request last night during the Nuzulul Qur’an event, when he emphasised the importance of ensuring security for all our pilgrims,” Irfan said.