Travel Reveals Enthusiasm Among Umrah Pilgrims Remains High Amidst Middle East Conflict

Jakarta — Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have not dampened the interest of Indonesian citizens in performing the umrah pilgrimage. Hajj and umrah travel operators report that pilgrim enthusiasm remains high, with registrations for upcoming departure periods continuing to flow in steadily.

Abdullah Mufid Mubarrok, chief executive director of Bariklana Burdah Nusantara, a hajj and umrah travel company, stated that Indonesian pilgrims already in the Holy Land are able to conduct their worship properly despite the conflict-ridden situation in the region.

“So far, Indonesian umrah pilgrims already in Mecca or Medina have been able to carry out their worship at the end of Ramadan without issue,” said Mufid when contacted by Republika on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

He cited the example of a group of pilgrims from Bariklana Tour who had just completed their umrah worship during this year’s Ramadan. All pilgrims returned safely to Indonesia on 13 March 2026.

The group included several members of ulama families, including Nyai Hizbiyah Wahab and Nyai Mundjidah Wahab, who are grandchildren of KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah, one of the founders of Nahdlatul Ulama. The group flew directly from Jeddah to Surabaya.

According to Mufid, direct flights remain the primary choice for pilgrims as they are considered more comfortable and reduce travel time.