Preparations for 2026 Hajj Pilgrimage Proceeding as Planned Despite Middle East Conflict Concerns
JAKARTA — The conflict in the Middle East has the potential to impact the implementation of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage.
Amidst the shadow of global uncertainty, the government has ensured that, to date, the implementation of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage remains on schedule.
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf emphasised that there have been no changes to the schedule regarding the departure of prospective hajj pilgrims amid the Middle East conflict.
“Today we are still on schedule. There have been no changes. Alhamdulillah. Hopefully this continues,” said Irfan at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
According to him, based on information from Saudi Arabian authorities, the situation in the Holy Land remains conducive.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to communicate regarding the preparation of hajj implementation.
“We consider everything to be on schedule. And we pray that this Ramadan Eid al-Fitr will bring peace to all of us, so that everything goes well,” said Gus Irfan.
“Of course, we will certainly observe the situation and developments there, and the decision will also be based on discussions and inputs from colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others,” he added.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabian authorities have also reportedly confirmed that umrah pilgrims are able to perform their worship peacefully amid the escalation of the Middle East conflict.
Based on coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities, Irfan stated that the situation in Mecca, Medina and Jeddah is also monitored as safe and conducive.
“Umrah pilgrims currently in these areas remain able to perform their worship peacefully and without significant disruption,” he said.
On the other hand, based on coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the situation in the Middle East currently shows no indication of the conflict subsiding in the near term.
“Therefore, the regional security situation is still assessed as dynamic and requires continuous monitoring,” said Irfan.