RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta -The security situation in the Middle East has impacted not only global diplomacy and the economy, but also thousands of Indonesian pilgrims. In the midst of this situation, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia is addressing the current crisis and improving governance for the 2026 Hajj.

From February 28 to March 2, 2026, 7,782 pilgrims returned to Indonesia. Many others are still awaiting flight confirmation, particularly those using airlines with transit arrangements.

The Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, emphasized that the safety of pilgrims is an absolute priority. "We ensure the government's presence. The safety of pilgrims is our top priority," he said on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, quoted from the ministry official website.

As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recommended postponing umrah departures in the near future. By the end of the umrah season in April, more than 43,000 prospective pilgrims were scheduled to depart during the March–April period.

"We urge prospective umrah pilgrims to temporarily postpone their departures. This measure is being taken solely for the safety and protection of pilgrims," he said.

To support the return of pilgrims, the government has prepared two schemes: requesting additional Garuda Indonesia fleet capacity during Ramadan and preparing route adjustments and flight scenarios if the situation worsens.

"We are preparing mitigation measures. If necessary, there will be additional fleet capacity and route adjustments," said Dahnil.

This approach demonstrates that the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages cannot be separated from global risk management, including regional security factors and airspace restrictions.

The Ministry of Hajj has ensured that all necessary equipment for the 2026 Hajj is ready. While preparing several anticipatory scenarios, the government is optimistic that the 2026 Hajj can proceed as scheduled.

"We are preparing all service facilities in advance to ensure the Hajj is implemented optimally in 2026. However, we are preparing various mitigation scenarios as a precautionary measure," the Deputy Minister explained.

President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the Hajj administration must be free from rent-seeking practices, cartels, and manipulation.

"The president's message is clear: the ministry must embody integrity, cleanliness, and transparency. There must be no practices that harm the trust of the people," the deputy minister emphasized, citing the president's directive. ***