Minister of Hajj and Umrah Assures Safety of Hajj Pilgrims Amid Middle East Conflict
Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has assured the safety of Hajj pilgrims amid the Middle East conflict.
Amid the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region, the government has emphasised that all Hajj operations are focused on protecting citizens.
Irfan Yusuf stated that this policy direction is a direct instruction from the Head of State.
“The President’s request to us regarding this situation is that whatever our decision, the primary consideration is the security and safety of our Hajj pilgrims,” said Irfan during a CNN Indonesia TV broadcast on Monday (20/4).
To ensure technical smoothness, the government is regularly coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj, as well as the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) and Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah.
“Up to today, everything indicates that the situation is still good for departure,” said Irfan.
Although current reports show conducive conditions for the first batch to enter the dormitories, the government is still preparing several contingency operational scenarios for flights.
Irfan explained that these alternative schemes are prepared to respond quickly to any changes on the ground.
“There is a possibility that flights might have to take different routes. Or perhaps not fly at all. So it all depends on the later situation, and we have prepared various possibilities,” said Irfan.
In addition to physical security guarantees, the government is also providing financial certainty for prospective Hajj pilgrims regarding the impact of rising aviation fuel prices.
Irfan assured that fluctuations in those prices will not raise the bill to the people.
“Not a single penny will be charged to the pilgrims, not even 1 percent,” he stressed.
The 2026 Hajj pilgrims are scheduled to start entering the Hajj dormitories on Tuesday (21/4).
The day after, the first wave of Hajj pilgrims will begin being flown from Indonesia to Madinah on Wednesday (22/4).
Meanwhile, the second wave of pilgrims will follow, departing for Makkah via Jeddah Airport starting 7 May 2026.
The following is the complete detailed schedule for the 2026 Hajj Journey:
Departure Phase
• 21 April 2026: Hajj pilgrims enter Hajj dormitories.
• 22 April 2026: Start of departure for first wave Hajj pilgrims from Indonesia to Madinah.
• 1 May 2026: Start of departure for first wave Hajj pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah.
• 6 May 2026: End of departure for first wave Hajj pilgrims from Indonesia to Madinah.
• 7 May 2026: Start of departure for second wave Hajj pilgrims from Indonesia to Jeddah.
• 15 May 2026: End of departure for first wave Hajj pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah.
• 21 May 2026: End of departure for second wave Hajj pilgrims from Indonesia to Jeddah, also the final arrival deadline (closing date) at KAAIA Jeddah Airport.
Hajj Peak Phase
• 25 May 2026: Departure of Hajj pilgrims from Makkah to Arafah.
• 26 May 2026: Wuquf in Arafah.
• 27 May 2026: Eid al-Adha 1447 H.
• 28 May 2026: First Day of Tashriq.
• 29 May 2026: Second Day of Tashriq (Nafar Awal).
• 30 May 2026: Third Day of Tashriq (Nafar Tsani).
Return Phase
• 1 June 2026: Start of arrival for first wave Hajj pilgrims in Indonesia.
• 7 June 2026: Start of departure for second wave Hajj pilgrims from Makkah to Madinah.
• 15 June 2026: End of return for first wave Hajj pilgrims from Jeddah to Indonesia.
• 16 June 2026: Islamic New Year 1448 H, also the start of return for second wave Hajj pilgrims from Madinah to Indonesia.
• 21 June 2026: End of departure for second wave Hajj pilgrims from Makkah to Madinah.
• 30 June 2026: End of return for second wave Hajj pilgrims from Madinah to Indonesia.
• 1 July 2026: End of arrival for second wave Hajj pilgrims in Indonesia.