US-Iran Conflict: Ministry of Hajj Urges Pilgrims to Postpone Umrah

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised prospective pilgrims to postpone their umrah departure following the increasingly unstable and unpredictable security situation in the Middle East. This advisory applies to pilgrims scheduled to depart in the near term.

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak stated that this measure was taken as a precaution by the government to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens. “Considering the unpredictable conditions in the Middle East and escalating tensions, we are advising umrah pilgrims scheduled to depart in the near future to postpone their trips,” Dahnil said in Jakarta on Sunday, 1 March 2026.

The government has also requested that umrah pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia and their families in Indonesia remain calm and refrain from panicking. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in coordination with Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is maintaining continuous communication with Saudi Arabian authorities, airlines, and umrah travel organisers (PPIU).

According to Dahnil, this coordination ensures that pilgrims experiencing delayed returns receive adequate care, including temporary accommodation in safe and suitable hotels or lodgings.

“We are continuously coordinating with Saudi Arabian authorities, airlines, and PPIU to ensure that pilgrims whose return is delayed can be accommodated in hotels and other safe and suitable locations,” he said.

Furthermore, the government has advised the public to avoid being easily influenced by unverified information. Citizens are urged to refer to official government sources to prevent misinformation that could cause public unrest.

Amid regional concerns, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has assured that preparations for the 1447 Hijri hajj pilgrimage in 2026 remain unaffected. All stages of preparation, including planning and technical coordination, are proceeding according to schedule.

“We hope the situation normalises soon and all parties exercise restraint. The government will continue monitoring developments and take necessary measures for the safety and comfort of pilgrims,” Dahnil said.

This postponement advisory could potentially impact thousands of prospective pilgrims who have already paid their travel fees and scheduled their departures. The government has yet to detail technical arrangements for rescheduling, refunds, or the responsibilities of travel organisers should cancellations occur in the near term.