US and Iran Tensions Escalate: Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj Issues Guidance to Umrah Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
Thousands of Indonesian nationals are currently performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia amid the intensifying conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has advised pilgrims to maintain coordination with Indonesian government authorities in the holy land.
“For pilgrims currently performing their pilgrimage in the holy land, we urge continuous coordination with the hajj affairs office in the holy land, with the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, and with the competent authorities of the Indonesian government present in the holy land,” said Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak in an Instagram statement from Kemenhaj on Sunday (1 March 2026).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dahnil clarified, is prepared to facilitate and provide sufficient information and protection to pilgrims currently performing their pilgrimage in the holy land. The Indonesian government will ensure that airlines, hotels, and other service providers are protecting and facilitating all pilgrim needs in the holy land.
Dahnil appealed to families remaining in Indonesia to remain calm, as the Indonesian government remains focused on ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims performing their pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“For pilgrims preparing to return to Indonesia, continue communicating with your travel agents or, if you are an independent umrah pilgrim, continue coordinating with officials serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,” Dahnil explained.
Dahnil noted that should pilgrims postpone their return, airlines have committed to providing temporary accommodation. “Visa extensions are also being provided by the Saudi Arabian government should visas expire, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will accompany all return preparations,” he stated.
Dahnil further assured that preparations for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage are proceeding as planned. He indicated that no significant impact has been observed on the planning and preparation process for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage.
“Hopefully the 2026 hajj can proceed smoothly without being affected by the Middle East conflict, and the Middle East conflict can be resolved and subside in the near future,” Dahnil said.
Additionally, Dahnil appealed to Indonesian pilgrims to postpone their Umrah travel temporarily for the safety of Indonesian nationals.
“We wish to call on all umrah pilgrims planning to depart in the coming weeks to postpone their departure temporarily until the situation in the Middle East becomes genuinely conducive,” Dahnil said.
As noted, the US and Israel launched attacks on Iranian territory on Saturday (28 February 2026). Dozens of bombs reportedly struck the residential complex of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei in Teheran. Khamenei and several Iranian military officials were killed in the attack.
Iran subsequently launched retaliatory attacks against the US and Israel. These retaliatory strikes impacted several Middle Eastern countries including Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which have US military bases or assets present on their soil.