MPR Chairman and Ulama Meet Saudi Ambassador, Discuss Hajj to Middle East Situation
The Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Ahmad Muzani, together with several ulama, met with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah Al Amoudi. The meeting discussed Hajj preparations as well as the situation in the Middle East.
“Today, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Indonesia in Jakarta invited leaders of Islamic boarding schools, scholars, ulama, kiai, and masyayikh to his residence for halalbihalal, to strengthen ties, while listening to various views from the ulama and kiai on several matters related to the latest situation, such as conditions in the Middle East, and then about the Saudi Government’s readiness in organising the Hajj pilgrimage,” said MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani at the Official Residence of the Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (15/4/2026).
Muzani stated that the situation in the Middle East has caused Indonesia to face various problems, especially economic ones. This, he said, has led Indonesia to question whether the Hajj season can be conducted smoothly.
“Due to that prolonged war, we the Indonesian people and Muslims in Indonesia have experienced various problems, particularly related to the economy. The ulama and kiai, who daily share complaints with their students and the people, are experiencing that situation. Including ourselves questioning whether this year’s Hajj season can be organised well,” he said.
Muzani emphasised that Indonesia continues to push for diplomatic efforts to achieve a point of peace in the Middle East. He said that President Prabowo has also conveyed this to several leaders in the Middle East.
“But it is our obligation as Indonesia with an independent and active policy to continuously seek points of agreement and peace so that diplomacy becomes the way to resolve all differences. This stance has also been conveyed by President Prabowo in many personal relations and telephone calls with leaders of Arab countries including Iran,” he said.
On this occasion, Muzani also expressed his gratitude to the Saudi side for their determination to ensure the Hajj pilgrimage runs smoothly. He mentioned that the ulama continue to provide support to the Saudi Government for the smooth conduct of the Hajj.
“We are grateful and thank the Government of Saudi Arabia because the Government of Saudi Arabia is determined that the organisation of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2026 will be carried out according to plan with guarantees of smoothness, security, and order in organising the Hajj pilgrimage process,” he said.
“Therefore, all efforts for the success of the Hajj pilgrimage organisation, the ulama and kiai provide support to the Government of Saudi Arabia, especially to the two guardians of the holy land, namely the King of Saudi Arabia and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia,” he added.