Prioritise Safety as the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Prepares Repatriation Schemes for Umrah Pilgrims
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) continues to monitor security dynamics in the Middle East. Preparatory measures are being reinforced through intensive coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safety of Umrah pilgrims and to advance the preparations for the 2026 Hajj.
As of the latest data up to 2 March 2026, 7,782 pilgrims have successfully returned to the homeland. However, some pilgrims are still awaiting flight schedules, particularly those using airlines with transit routes.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. ‘We ensure the state is present. Pilgrim safety is the top priority. We are continuing to coordinate intensively with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant parties to ensure pilgrims can return safely,’ he said on Tuesday (3/3).
As a precautionary measure, Kemenhaj has urged a postponement of near-term Umrah departures, taking into account escalation in the situation and the results of cross-ministerial coordination.
By the closure of the Umrah season in April, more than 43,000 prospective Umrah pilgrims were scheduled to depart during the March–April period.
‘We urge prospective Umrah pilgrims to defer departure for the time being. This step is solely for the safety and protection of the pilgrims,’ he said.
To support the repatriation process, Kemenhaj has prepared two schemes: requesting additional Garuda Indonesia aircraft during Ramadan, and preparing flight-schedule adjustments if the situation escalates.
‘We are putting in place a number of mitigation steps. If necessary, there will be additional aircraft and route adjustments so that pilgrims can return home to Indonesia safely and on time,’ he added.
On the other hand, Kemenhaj has ensured that all Hajj service arrangements for 2026 have been prepared earlier. The government is optimistic that the 2026 Hajj operation will proceed on schedule while continuing to prepare multiple mitigation scenarios as a precaution.
‘We are preparing all service provisions in advance so that the 2026 Hajj operation runs optimally. However, we remain prepared with various mitigation scenarios as a precaution,’ Dahnil explained.
President Prabowo Subianto also emphasised that the Hajj operation should be free from rent-seeking, cartels, or manipulation. ‘The President’s message is very clear: the Ministry’s face must be that of integrity, clean, and transparent. There must be no practices that undermine the people’s trust,’ he said. (P-4)
Dahnil emphasised that the safety of pilgrims remains the government’s top priority. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ichsan Marsha, said that potential Umrah pilgrims scheduled to depart are those planned to depart up to before the Hajj season.
Thousands of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims were reportedly stranded at various airports due to the escalated US-Israel vs Iran conflict, which led to airspace closures and Middle East hostilities.
Security developments in the increasingly tense Middle East are impacting the Umrah travel sector.
The conflict in the Middle East is a concern for the West Java regional office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj Jabar).
Kemenhaj RI is speeding up the Hajj 2026 visa process. A total of 162,000 documents have been processed, 57,000 visas printed, with about 40,000 remaining to be completed by early March.
The Ministry is preparing not only the Hajj dormitories but also as One Stop Services for Umrah pilgrims.
Kemenhaj is strengthening on-site supervision of Hajj officers in the 1447 H/2026 M pilgrimage year.
Kemenhaj officially launched the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj & Umrah Guideline Book. The guide covers rituals, spiritual philosophy, as well as prayers and dhikr.
The Ministry continues to strengthen oversight of Umrah operations as a manifestation of the state’s presence in protecting pilgrims’ rights.