RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Chairman of the National Hajj and Umrah Commission (Komnas Haji), Mustolih Siradj, has warned of the potential impact of the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel on the implementation of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

He emphasized that the safety of Indonesian citizens planning to perform Hajj must be a top priority, particularly if the situation in the region worsens.

“Security and airspace for flights are crucial factors. Therefore, this must be given special attention,” Mustolih said in a written statement in Jakarta on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Indonesia is sending 221,000 pilgrims this year, with the first wave of flight groups scheduled to depart in less than two months.

“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is facing a tough test, with the current war in the Middle East. This situation presents a challenge for Hajj organizers,” he said.

Mustolih noted that the 2026 pilgrimage marks a transition from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to the newly established Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj). He described the situation as a crossroads and a policy dilemma.

On the one hand, the safety of pilgrims must be guaranteed. On the other hand, canceling departures unilaterally would create massive waiting lists. “Trillions of rupiah in Hajj costs have already been paid, and contracts with private parties are already underway,” he said.

He added that if departures were canceled, costs related to flights, hotels, meals, transportation, and accommodation would become complicated, especially since contracts are with private companies.

Mustolih stressed that the Kemenhaj must be cautious in making decisions, which should be thoroughly reviewed with the House of Representatives (DPR), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the Indonesian Military (TNI), and embassies.

“We must consider the stance of Muslim-majority countries that send pilgrims, such as Malaysia, Yemen, Pakistan, and Turkey,” he said.

He added that the most important factor is the policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the host of the Hajj. “Will they continue to organize the pilgrimage without restrictions, or will they implement a limited schedule as they did during the pandemic?” he asked.

If the war escalates, the situation will be dynamic and difficult to predict. To date, Saudi Arabia has stated its readiness to host the 2026 Hajj.

Mustolih emphasized that the Ministry of Hajj must request full security guarantees for Indonesian pilgrims. “Indonesia sends the largest number of pilgrims in the world,” he said.

Historically, Indonesian pilgrims have continued to depart even during global conflicts, including World War II and the Gulf War. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)