Middle East is heating up, 6,047 Umrah pilgrims have returned home
JAKARTA - A total of 6,047 umrah pilgrims have returned home gradually since February 28 to March 1, 2026 amid rising tensions in the Middle East region. The government ensures that the return process is safe and under control.
Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ichsan Marsha, said the return of pilgrims continued to be closely monitored by prioritizing safety and protection aspects.
"From February 28 to March 1, 2026, a total of 6,047 pilgrims have returned home safely. The government continues to monitor this process so that all pilgrims can return gradually and orderly," said Ichsan.
He detailed, on Saturday (28/2) there were 4,200 pilgrims who returned using 12 flights. Meanwhile, on Sunday (1/3), as many as 2,047 pilgrims returned with five flights.
Kemenhaj also noted that there were still 43,363 prospective umrah pilgrims scheduled to depart until before the Hajj season on April 18, 2026. They come from 439 Umrah Travel Organizers (PPIU).
"We ensure that every PPIU fulfills its obligations in full, from departure, service during their stay in Saudi Arabia, to the return of the pilgrims. This responsibility must not be ignored," said Ichsan.
The government asks that communication between PPIU and the congregation continues to be maintained. In addition, pilgrims who face protection problems, legal issues, or emergency conditions in Saudi Arabia and transit countries are asked to immediately contact the local Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General.
Ichsan emphasized that the government together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued to coordinate with all Indonesian representatives abroad to ensure that every issue of the congregation was handled quickly and appropriately.
As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Religion also appealed to pilgrims who are scheduled to depart in the near future to postpone their departure until conditions in the Middle East are conducive, in order to prioritize safety and protection.