Indonesian Lawmaker Urges Protection for 58,000 Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta: Indonesia’s House of Representatives has urged maximum protection for Indonesian Umrah pilgrims affected by international flight disruptions. The statement was delivered to Parlementaria in Jakarta on Sunday, 1 March 2026. The appeal follows escalating regional conflict impacting aviation routes to and from Saudi Arabia.

Member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives Selly Andriany Gantina said more than 58,000 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims have not been able to return home as scheduled. The delays were caused by international flight disruptions due to escalating regional tensions. She stressed that the situation requires immediate and serious attention from the Indonesian government.

She emphasized that the Indonesian government carries constitutional responsibility toward its citizens abroad in all circumstances. Protection must extend beyond administrative handling and procedural communication. Safety and certainty of return must be guaranteed through concrete and measurable steps.

She underlined the state’s legal obligation in protecting Umrah pilgrims during vulnerable conditions abroad. According to her, this obligation cannot be reduced under any circumstances or external pressures. She then delivered a firm statement regarding constitutional duty and state accountability.

“The state has a constitutional obligation to ensure maximum protection for all Indonesian citizens, including Umrah pilgrims, not only in administrative aspects, but also in aspects of safety, service certainty, and certainty of return,” Selly said.

She stated that thousands of Indonesian pilgrims remain directly affected by disrupted international flight schedules. The government must ensure structured, measurable, and transparent repatriation efforts. Clear communication with families in Indonesia is also essential during this uncertain period.

She added that the situation should become momentum for evaluating Umrah management systems comprehensively. Crisis mitigation mechanisms must be strengthened to anticipate similar disruptions in the future. This includes stronger coordination among ministries and relevant state institutions.

She further stressed that the state must be present when citizens face vulnerable situations abroad. Citizen protection is the highest legal principle that must guide every policy decision. She then reaffirmed her stance firmly and clearly.

“The state must not be absent when its people are in a vulnerable situation. The safety of citizens is the highest law, and the state is obliged to ensure that every pilgrim can return to the homeland safely, with dignity, and with clear certainty,” she added.

She concluded that transparency and firm action are necessary in handling the situation responsibly. The Indonesian government must prioritize citizen safety above all other considerations. The public expects swift, coordinated, and concrete measures in response to this disruption.