US–Israel–Iran Conflict Shakes Umrah, Amphuri Warns of Risks for Independent Pilgrims
In the midst of the growing phenomenon of independent Umrah, Umrah Travel Organisers (PPIU) are now facing a heavy test following the heating up of the United States–Israel conflict against Iran in the Middle East. Several countries have closed airspace, airlines have altered routes, delaying or even stopping flights, which directly affects the departure and return schedules of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims.
The Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Muslim Association of Hajj and Umrah Organisers (DPP AMPHURI), Firman M Nur, said that the geopolitical situation poses a serious challenge to the national Umrah industry, particularly in guaranteeing safety and certainty of service for pilgrims.
He stated this during an Interactive Dialogue titled ‘Mitigating Umrah Amid the US-Israel vs Iran Conflict, and What’s the Situation with JR Umrah Mandiri, Amphuri’s Constitutional Jihad’ in Jakarta, on Wednesday (4 March 2026).
According to Firman, the escalation of the conflict affects Indonesian pilgrims, both those currently in Saudi Arabia and those waiting for departure schedules in the homeland.
‘The situation also affects the departure and return schedules of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims, whether they are currently in Saudi Arabia or still in the homeland and awaiting departure,’ Firman said.
Nevertheless, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is said to have assured that the situation in its territory remains safe and under control, while continuing to apply security vigilance standards.
Firman then questioned concrete steps by the Indonesian government to protect citizens who are currently or will be undertaking Umrah, especially amid the Middle East conflict.
‘What steps will the government take to protect Indonesian citizens who will be or are undertaking Umrah, including those involved in Umrah travel businesses/PPIU, as regulated in Law No. 14 of 2025?’ Firman said.
He highlighted specifically pilgrims who choose the independent Umrah scheme. According to him, that scheme leaves more loopholes in legal protection when emergencies arise due to international conflict.
Firman referred to Article 96 paragraph (5) of Law No. 14 of 2025, which states that Umrah pilgrims and Umrah officials receive protection comprising: (a) protection as Indonesian citizens; (b) legal protection; (c) security protection; (d) accommodation, meals, and transport services, except for independent Umrah pilgrims; and (e) life, accident, and health protection, except for independent Umrah pilgrims.