Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Urges Garuda to Add Flights to Return Indonesian Pilgrims

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has disclosed that it has prepared two schemes to support the repatriation of Indonesian umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia, while also anticipating possible conflict developments in the Middle East. First, Kemenhaj is requesting an expansion of Garuda Indonesia’s fleet during the Ramadan period. Second, it has prepared adjustments to flight scenarios should the situation escalate. ‘We are preparing a number of mitigation steps. If necessary, there will be an expansion of the fleet and route adjustments so that pilgrims can return to the homeland safely and on time,’ said Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah RI, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak. According to Kemenhaj, some pilgrims have already returned home, while others await flight confirmations, particularly those using transit carriers. As of 28 February to 2 March 2026, 7,782 pilgrims had returned home. Dahnil stressed that the safety of pilgrims is the government’s top priority. ‘We are ensuring that the state is present. The safety of pilgrims is the top priority. We are continuing to coordinate intensively with the Foreign Ministry and all relevant parties to ensure pilgrims can return safely,’ he asserted. In anticipation, Kemenhaj has urged postponement of upcoming umrah departures, considering potential escalation and cross-ministry coordination results. By the close of the umrah season in April, more than 43,000 prospective umrah pilgrims were scheduled to depart in March-April. ‘We urge prospective umrah pilgrims to postpone departures for the time being. This step is taken solely for the safety and protection of the pilgrims,’ he said. Separately, Kemenhaj has confirmed that all haj service provisions for 2026 have been prepared earlier. The government is optimistic that the 2026 hajj will proceed on schedule, while continuing to prepare several mitigation scenarios as a precaution. ‘We are preparing all service provisions in advance so that the 2026 hajj can run optimally. However, we will continue to prepare various mitigation scenarios as a precautionary measure,’ Dahnil explained. President Prabowo Subianto has also stressed that the organisation of hajj must be free from rent-seeking, cartels, and manipulation. ‘The President’s message is very clear: the Ministry’s image must reflect integrity, cleanliness, and transparency. There must be no practices that erode public trust,’ he emphasised.