Parliament Reveals Saudi Arabia Has Not Yet Announced Postponement of 2026 Hajj amid Middle East Conflict

Commission VIII of the House of Representatives revealed that, to date, no official notification has been received from Saudi Arabian government authorities regarding the implementation of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage.

This statement was made by Vice-Chairman of Commission VIII, Abidin Fikri, following the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East resulting from the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has not provided formal clarification regarding alleged postponement of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage, although the geopolitical situation in the Middle East continues to be closely monitored,” Abidin said when contacted on Wednesday, 11 March.

Abidin therefore remained optimistic that the 2026 hajj pilgrimage would proceed as scheduled and Indonesian pilgrims would be dispatched according to plan.

“Since there has been no prohibition notice from Saudi Arabian authorities, unlike what occurred during the previous COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

However, Abidin urged the government, through the Hajj and Umrah Ministry, to maintain intensive communication to ensure clear information for pilgrims. The PDIP politician also called on the public to remain calm.

“Commission VIII is committed to conducting strict oversight to ensure that the 2026 hajj (1447 H) can enhance services and be carried out safely and comfortably for all prospective Indonesian pilgrims,” he said.

Nevertheless, the government presented two options during the Commission VIII meeting: unilateral postponement or proceeding with pilgrim departures during the 2026 hajj season.

The Hajj and Umrah Minister, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, stated that the postponement option remained under consideration due to pilgrim safety concerns.

Through this option, Irfan said, the government must conduct high-level negotiations with the Saudi Arabian government to ensure that all costs already paid are not forfeited. These include accommodation, catering, transportation, and other expenses.

Thus, all such costs could be utilised for the 2027 hajj pilgrimage.

“A scenario where the Saudi government approves but Indonesia cancels departures is under consideration, given that security risks are assessed as too great for the safety of Indonesian hajj pilgrims,” Irfan said during the Commission VIII meeting on Wednesday, 11 March.