Middle East conflict disrupts flights, Kemenhaj monitors 58,873 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims in Saudi

JAKARTA - The escalation of security in the Middle East region has begun to affect flight routes to and from Saudi Arabia. A number of airlines are reported to have changed routes and delayed schedules as a precautionary measure. As a result, the departure and return schedule of Indonesian umrah pilgrims was dragged, both those who were already in Saudi Arabia and those who were still waiting to fly from their country.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) RI stated that monitoring was carried out through coordination with the Indonesian representative and local authorities. Based on the report of the Special Umrah and Hajj Management Computerization System (SISKOPATUH), approximately 58,873 Indonesian umrah pilgrims are currently still in Saudi Arabia and are said to be under surveillance.

Director General of Haji and Umrah Implementation, Puji Raharjo, asked pilgrims not to panic and still rely on official information. "We appeal to all umrah pilgrims not to panic. Stay calm and continue to coordinate with the Umrah Travel Organizer (PPIU) to obtain official and up-to-date information," said Puji in Jakarta, Saturday (28/2/2026) quoted from the kemenhaj page.

Puji also emphasized the role of PPIU so that it is not passive when the situation changes quickly. He asked PPIU to maintain active communication with the Hajj Affairs Office (KUH), KJRI Jeddah, and the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh so that every development can be followed up without delay. "The Ministry of Hajj continues to coordinate with related agencies, both in the country and in Saudi Arabia, to ensure the safety and security of Indonesian umrah pilgrims remain the top priority," he said.

The Ministry of Religion said the government was committed to providing maximum protection, including ensuring that policy adjustments were based on the aspects of safety, security, and comfort of pilgrims. Families of pilgrims in the country are also asked to remain calm and not be provoked by information whose source is unclear.

The government reminds that official communication channels remain through the respective PPIU so that every development received can be accounted for.