Saudi Arabian Authorities Ensure Umrah Pilgrims Can Worship Peacefully

Jakarta – Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has stated that Saudi Arabian authorities are ensuring umrah pilgrims can perform their worship peacefully amid escalating Middle East conflicts.

Irfan noted that the security situation in Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah remains monitored as safe and conducive.

“Based on reports from government representatives and coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities, the security conditions in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina are reported to be safe and conducive,” said Irfan during a meeting with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

“The umrah pilgrims currently in those areas are able to perform their worship peacefully and without significant disruption,” he added.

“Therefore, the security situation in the region remains assessed as dynamic and requires continuous monitoring,” said Irfan.

He noted that this situation has potential implications for the conduct of the 1447 Hijri (2026 Gregorian) hajj season, as the hajj pilgrimage is scheduled to commence its departure phase on 22 April.

Irfan also reported that currently 50,374 Indonesian umrah pilgrims remain in Saudi Arabia, of which 14,115 remain stranded due to numerous flight routes being closed.

“As of 11 March, there are still 50,374 umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, of which approximately 14,115 are potentially stranded, with 1,239 travel agents involved. We have already summoned all relevant travel agents,” said Irfan.