Umrah Disrupted by Middle East Conflict Escalation; Asphirasi Calls for Firm Government Stance
The brutal and fatal attacks by Israel and the United States against Iran on Saturday 28 February shook the world.
The Alliance of Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Organisers (Asphirasi) has stated that there has been no official decision to delay umrah pilgrim departures announced by the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah following the Middle East conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
“Asphirasi certainly has an interest in this matter. However, the discussion about postponement remains unclear, given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East region that creates serious uncertainty for Umrah Travel Organisers (PPIU) and pilgrims,” affirmed Asphirasi Secretary General Reno Anugrah Andriyani to journalists in Solo on Monday 2 March 2026.
According to her, to date all direct flights to Saudi Arabia such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Saudia Airlines are still operating normally and according to schedule.
She clarified that to date all direct flight airlines remain on schedule and continue to depart. Some PPIUs are still sending pilgrims because aircraft are still flying, visas have already been issued, hotels are available, and there is no official flight restriction to Saudi Arabia.
“Indeed, these direct flight routes do not pass through conflict zones,” she added.
Significantly, Reno noted, Asphirasi has recorded a major impact on transit flights, which has caused substantial losses for PPIUs and created uncertainty for pilgrims.
She explained that there are currently pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia facing difficulties in returning because the transit airlines they are using have cancelled their flights.
“On the other hand, there are also pilgrims whose complete preparations such as visas, hotels, and handling are ready, but they cannot depart because transit tickets such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Scoot, and other transit airlines are experiencing flight cancellations and suspensions,” she added.
The owner of the Hajar Aswad Mubaroq umrah bureau stressed the importance of clarity on concrete steps from the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah if postponement decisions are indeed taken, to prevent causing even greater waves of losses.
Asphirasi is calling for clear and measurable mitigation policies if postponement is decided by the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
“Of course there should be policies for visa cancellation or rescheduling without penalties, refunds or rescheduling of hotels and transport, as well as relaxation of Mashaaer, Masar, and Nusuk services,” Reno emphasised once more.
She stressed that the current situation qualifies as force majeure, but in practice travel insurance does not cover geopolitical risks, so potential losses lie entirely with PPIUs.
The current situation, she observed, is different from the COVID-19 pandemic period, when closure was directly carried out by the Saudi Arabian government, allowing for special policies and contract relaxation.
She stated that Saudi Arabia has not closed umrah and direct flights continue to operate. However, the discussion about postponement is coming from within the country. Therefore, according to her, there is a need for a fair protection scheme for PPIUs and pilgrims.
Because of this, Asphirasi has requested that the government be present and ensure comprehensive protection for Indonesian pilgrims, both those currently in Saudi Arabia and those prevented from departing due to transit flight cancellations.
The Head of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Office in Purwakarta Regency, Syamsi Mufti, urged umrah pilgrims to be cautious and maintain conducive conditions.
Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission VIII, Maman Imanul Haq, has asked the government through the Indonesian Embassy in the Middle East region to immediately take emergency measures.