Saudi Arabia Ensures Pilgrims Can Worship Safely Amid Middle East Tensions

Jakarta – The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) Mochamad Irfan Yusuf reported that the Saudi Arabian Government has ensured pilgrims can continue to perform umrah (minor pilgrimage) safely despite escalating conflict in the Middle East region.

“Security conditions in the territory of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, are reported to be safe and conducive. Umrah pilgrims currently in these areas continue to be able to perform their worship calmly and without significant disruption,” said Menhaj Mochamad Irfan Yusuf during a hearing session with Commission VIII in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He explained that the escalation of conflict in the Middle East has impacted regional security stability and international aviation transportation. Several countries in the region have closed their airspace, particularly routes that have been the main passages for international flights towards the Gulf region.

“The closure of these airspaces has caused disruptions to several international flights, especially those using transit schemes through several countries in the Middle East region,” said Menhaj Irfan.

As a result of these conditions, the departure and return processes of umrah pilgrims, particularly those using transit flights, have experienced disruptions.

Nevertheless, he said, based on reports from government representatives and coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities, the security situation in major pilgrimage destination cities such as Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah remains safe.

Based on reports received until 11 March 2026, a total of 50,374 umrah pilgrims remain in Saudi Arabia. Of this number, approximately 14,115 people face potential delays in returning due to flight disruptions.

“We have already called in all relevant PPIU (Penyelenggara Perjalanan Ibadah Umrah – Umrah Travel Operators) to ensure pilgrim handling runs smoothly,” said Irfan.

Earlier, the Indonesian Government advised the public to temporarily postpone umrah pilgrimages following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East region.

“For now, regarding umrah departures, we are still advising the public to postpone their departure due to the escalation of conflict. We do not know how the situation will develop,” said Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak.

According to him, the advisory serves as a mitigation measure to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens who will depart for the Holy Land.