Parliamentary Members Support Temporary Suspension of Umrah Pilgrimages, Pilgrim Safety Must Be Priority
A brutal and deadly attack by Israel and the United States on Iran on Saturday 28 February caused global shock.
Members of Commission VIII of Indonesia’s House of Representatives from the Golkar Party faction have expressed appreciation and support for the anticipatory steps taken by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) in calling for the temporary suspension of umrah departures to Saudi Arabia. This appeal has been conveyed to Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), specifically to the Directorate General for the Implementation of Hajj and Umrah, for forwarding to all Umrah Travel Organisers (PPIU).
According to Hasan Basri Agus, the safety of Indonesian citizens (WNI), including umrah pilgrims, must be the top priority amid global geopolitical dynamics and the ongoing escalation of conflict in the Middle East region.
“Umrah pilgrimage is a sacred calling, but the protection and safety of pilgrims is a state responsibility that cannot be compromised. The principle of prioritising safety must be put forward in every policy,” he stated in a press release received on Monday 2 March.
Data from the Ministry of Religious Affairs shows that Indonesia is one of the world’s largest senders of umrah pilgrims. In recent years before the pandemic, the number of Indonesian umrah pilgrims reached over one million per year.
With such a large number of pilgrims, potential safety risks, logistical challenges, and psychological impacts on pilgrims become important considerations in policy-making.
He assessed that this appeal for suspension is not a form of permanent prohibition, but rather a preventive and temporary measure, whilst continuing to monitor security situation developments in real time.
Therefore, he expressed appreciation for the coordination between Kemenlu and Kemenag as a manifestation of state presence in providing maximum protection to WNI abroad.
“We must not panic, but we also must not be negligent. This policy is a form of government caution in reading global dynamics. This is an anticipatory step, not a reactive one,” he emphasised.
Hasan conveyed proposals and recommendations for solutions to ensure that the umrah suspension policy remains conducive and does not harm pilgrims or PPIU, namely through a rescheduling scheme without penalties. According to him, the government together with PPIU needs to ensure that affected pilgrims can reschedule without additional costs or penalties.
He also requested that the Directorate General for Hajj and Umrah Implementation issue an official circular letter that comprehensively explains the policy basis, so as not to create speculation among the public.
Furthermore, he also requested that Umrah Travel Organisers (PPIU) and travel agents guarantee the security of pilgrim funds, including refund of funds if pilgrims choose to cancel their departure. He also emphasised to the government the need to promptly establish a Unified Information Centre or crisis centre between Kemenlu and the Ministry of Religious Affairs as well as Indonesian Representatives in Saudi Arabia to monitor the situation and provide regular updates.
He asserted that Indonesia has good diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, and the government will continue intensive communication to ensure pilgrim safety in all situations.
“We pray that the situation becomes conducive soon and all umrah pilgrims can perform their worship safely, comfortably and devoutly. The state must be present to ensure all of that,” he concluded.