Govt Moves to Safeguard Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims Amid Middle East Conflict

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is stepping in to protect thousands of its citizens performing the umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, as regional tensions in the Middle East disrupt international air travel.

Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, announced that the government is prepared to assist Indonesian pilgrims whose return journeys have been delayed and whose visas are at risk of expiring.

“We are helping pilgrims whose departures are postponed and whose visas are running out, ensuring they can be extended so they are not recorded as immigration violators,” Irfan said during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The minister explained that escalating conflict in the region has led several countries to close their airspace, particularly along major flight paths to the Gulf. This has disrupted both departures and returns for pilgrims traveling via transit routes. As of March 11, official data showed 50,374 Indonesian pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia, with around 14,115 facing potential delays in returning home.

Despite the challenges, repatriation efforts are ongoing. By March 9, more than 20,000 pilgrims had successfully returned to Indonesia. At the same time, departures from Indonesia continue through direct flights, averaging 2,000 to 3,000 pilgrims per day.

To ensure smooth handling of the situation, the government has established an integrated coordination center involving multiple stakeholders: the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, airlines, and umrah travel organizers.

The parties agreed to share data and provide regular updates to accelerate solutions for affected pilgrims. The move reflects Indonesia’s broader commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad while maintaining the continuity of religious travel, even amid regional instability. ***