PDIP Urges Maximum Protection for Umrah Pilgrims Amid Middle East Conflict

PDIP legislator Selly Gantina of Commission VIII of the DPR urged the government to guarantee maximum protection and to expedite the repatriation of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims amid the conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran. She said pilgrims should not be left in unclear conditions.

‘The state has a constitutional obligation to ensure maximum protection for all Indonesian citizens, including Umrah pilgrims, not only in administrative aspects but also in safety, certainty of service, and certainty of repatriation,’ Selly said in a statement on Thursday, 5 March 2026.

‘The states presence must not stop at administrative exhortations. The state must ensure a clearly defined, measurable repatriation scheme with time certainty. Pilgrims should not be left in uncertainty due to global dynamics beyond their control,’ she added.

Selly also urged the government to strengthen protection for Indonesian Umrah pilgrims amid the wars impact. She regards the ongoing conflict as a warning to evaluate crisis mitigation.

Selly emphasised three strategic aspects that must be strengthened, among them the reinforcement of the pilgrim protection system as part of protecting the citizenry.

She stressed that the state must have a structured crisis protocol, including alternative repatriation schemes, logistical protection, and certainty of services for pilgrims affected by the emergency.

Another evaluation is to strengthen accountability of Umrah travel organisers. She also called for stronger cross-ministry coordination and representation abroad.

‘This situation underscores that the organisation of Umrah cannot be detached from global geopolitical dynamics. Therefore, the state must have a strong, adaptive protection system capable of providing certainty of protection for citizens in crisis situations,’ she said.

‘The state must not be absent when its people are in vulnerable situations. The safety of citizens is the supreme law, and the state must ensure every pilgrim can return home safely, with dignity, and with clear certainty,’ she added.

It is known that Israel and the US have carried out air strikes against Iran since Saturday (28 February), triggering Iranian retaliation.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and other senior officials have warned that the Iran conflict will result in more American military deaths as Tehran retaliates against US and Israel strikes.