TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Haj and Umrah has urged prospective pilgrims to postpone their departure for Umrah due to the increasingly dynamic and uncertain security situation in the Middle East. This advice is specifically directed at pilgrims scheduled to depart in the near future.
Deputy Minister of Haj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, stated that this step was taken as a precautionary measure by the government to ensure the safety of its citizens. "Considering the uncertain and escalating conditions in the Middle East, we advise Umrah pilgrims who are scheduled to depart in the near future to postpone their departure," Dahnil said in Jakarta on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
The government also urged Umrah pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia and their families at home to remain calm and avoid panic. The Ministry of Religious Affairs, together with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is reportedly coordinating with Saudi Arabian authorities, airlines, and Umrah Travel Organizers (PPIU).
According to Dahnil, this coordination is being carried out to ensure that pilgrims whose returns have been delayed receive adequate assistance, including the provision of safe and decent hotels or temporary accommodation.
"We are continuing to coordinate with the Saudi authorities, airlines, and PPIUs so that the delayed pilgrims can be accommodated in safe and decent hotels or alternative accommodations," he said.
Furthermore, the government urged the public not to be easily influenced by unverified information. The public is advised to refer to official government sources to avoid confusion and prevent unrest.
Amid concerns over the regional situation, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah assured that the organization of the 1447 Hijri or 2026 Haj pilgrimage has not been affected. All preparation stages, including technical planning and coordination, are claimed to be proceeding according to schedule.
"We hope that the situation returns to normal soon and all parties can exercise restraint. The government will continue to monitor developments and take necessary steps for the safety and comfort of the pilgrims," said Dahnil.
This postponement advice has the potential to impact thousands of prospective pilgrims who have already paid for their travel and finalized their departure schedules. The government has not yet detailed the technical schemes for rescheduling, refund procedures, or the specific responsibilities of PPIUs in the event of cancellations in the near future.
Read: Indonesia Ensures 2026 Haj Plans Proceed Despite Middle East Tensions
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Saudi Arabia Launches Guidelines for Umrah Pilgrims Amid Ramadan Rush
2 hari lalu
Saudi Arabia tightens surveillance in Grand Mosque through digital system and vehicle restrictions during the Umrah Ramadan rush.
Bank Syariah Indonesia Debuts New Umrah Savings Product
5 hari lalu
The BSI's Sales & Distribution Director said that previously, haj and umrah savings were combined into a single product.
South Aceh Regent Faces Sanctions for Unauthorized Umrah Trip During Flood Disaster
10 Desember 2025
The departure of the Regent of South Aceh for umrah becomes a controversy when his region is hit by a flood and landslide disaster.
Saudi Airline Mukhtara Air to Launch in Indonesia in 2026, Targeting Hajj and Umrah Travel
1 Desember 2025
Indonesia's aviation sector will welcome new international carrier Mukhtara Air, set to begin operations in January 2026.
Danantara Indonesia Says 90 Bidders Joined Tender for Hajj Village Project in Mecca
29 November 2025
Danantara Indonesia is still awaiting the results of the hajj village tender in Saudi Arabia.
Bus Crash in Saudi Arabia Kills at Least 45 Indian Umrah Pilgrims
18 November 2025
A bus carrying Indian umrah pilgrims caught fire after colliding with a tanker on the highway between Mecca and Medina.
All About Indonesia's 2026 Hajj Season: From Quotas to Cost
29 Oktober 2025
Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is preparing for the implementation of the 1447 Hijriah hajj pilgrimage, both domestically and internationally.
Hajj Ministry Responds to Business Association's Protest Regarding Indonesia's Independent Umrah
28 Oktober 2025
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak stated that the rejection from business associations against the legalization of independent Umrah is normal
Indonesia to Draft Technical Regulations for Independent Umrah
27 Oktober 2025
The new law officially recognizes independent Umrah under Law No. 14 of 2025, though technical guidelines have yet to be issued.
The Pros and Cons of Indonesia's Independent Umrah Policy
27 Oktober 2025
The Indonesian government has legalized independent umrah as regulated in the Hajj Law. However, the association of entrepreneurs rejects this policy.
