80 Indonesian Pilgrims Depart for Umrah Amid Middle East Escalation

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - Despite rising tensions in the Middle East, 80 Indonesian pilgrims departed for Umrah to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The group flew with Saudia Airlines from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Although several flights have been canceled due to the regional escalation, Tour Leader from Ventour Hajj and Umrah Agency, Teguh Imam Santoso, confirmed that his group’s journey proceeded without delay.

“Our 80 pilgrims all departed on schedule. We hope the situation in the Middle East stabilizes soon,” Teguh said at Soekarno-Hatta.

The group left around 7 p.m. local time and is expected to arrive in Jeddah early Monday morning. Teguh advised pilgrims to rely on official information provided by the agency and avoid being influenced by unverified reports circulating on social media.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, addressed concerns over the escalating situation. He emphasized that the government is closely monitoring developments and urged pilgrims scheduled to depart in the near future to postpone their trips until conditions improve.

“This precautionary step is necessary to ensure the safety of our citizens. We call on pilgrims planning to leave soon to delay their departure,” Dahnil said on Sunday.

The government also appealed to Indonesian pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia, as well as their families at home, to remain calm. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Saudi authorities, as well as airlines and Umrah travel organizers (PPIU), to manage any delays in return flights.

“We are working with Saudi authorities, airlines, and PPIU to ensure that pilgrims facing delays are accommodated in safe and proper facilities,” Dahnil explained.

Authorities further reminded the public not to be swayed by unverified information and to rely only on official government sources to avoid confusion and unnecessary anxiety.

Regarding preparations for the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj season, Dahnil confirmed that planning and coordination remain on track and have not been affected by the current situation.

“We hope conditions normalize soon and all parties exercise restraint. The government will continue to monitor developments and take necessary measures to safeguard the safety and comfort of pilgrims,” he concluded. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)