Saudi Arabia's Policy Determines Continuation or Postponement of 2026 Hajj

JAKARTA — As the inaugural flight contingent for Indonesia’s 2026 hajj pilgrimage approaches within less than two months, the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah faces a severe test with escalating conflict in the Middle East between Iran, the United States, and Israel threatening regional destabilisation. Aviation security and airspace accessibility have become critically crucial factors, particularly given that the Indonesian hajj mission represents the largest contingent with a quota of 221,000 pilgrims.

Mustolih Siradj, chairman of the National Hajj Commission, stated that the 2026 hajj operation—marking the initial transition from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah—stands at a crossroads and faces a genuine dilemma. Whilst pilgrim safety remains the absolute priority, unilaterally cancelling the mission would trigger massive domino effects, resulting in mounting backlogs in the hajj waiting list.

“This is further complicated by the fact that trillions of rupiahs in hajj costs already disbursed as financial commitments for various operational needs—from flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, to Maasir expenses—would become problematic if cancelled, especially given that these contracts are signed with private entities,” Siradj told Republika on Friday (13 March 2026).

Consequently, he stated that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah must exercise extraordinary caution in making its decision: whether to dispatch the 2026 hajj mission, withhold it, or proceed with modified travel arrangements. Comprehensive and intensive assessment is required in consultation with parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Intelligence Agency, embassies, and consideration of the stance adopted by fellow Muslim-majority nations sending pilgrims, such as Malaysia, Yemen, Pakistan, Turkey, and other regional Asian countries.