Middle East Conflict Is Heating Up, Government Prepares 4 Hajj Scenarios

Jakarta - Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak revealed four government scenarios in terms of facing this year's hajj season. This was conveyed to reporters at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, March 10.

According to Dahnil, the government does not want to take risks amid the escalation of the Middle East conflict. For umrah, the government still urges prospective pilgrims to postpone departure. For Hajj, four scenarios have been prepared, with one benchmark being the safety of the congregation.

According to Dahnil, the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to accompany the umrah pilgrims who will return to Indonesia, including asking airlines and PPIU or travel agencies to continue to accompany them until they arrive in the country.

For the implementation of the hajj, Dahnil admitted that he had consulted with President Prabowo Subianto. The President's instructions, it is clear that all scenarios must be prepared, but the safety of the congregation remains the first and priority.

If the situation improves, the first batch of pilgrims will still be scheduled to depart on April 22. However, if the escalation of the conflict shows signs of danger, the government is preparing other options.

Starting from changes in flight routes to possible delays. One of the options discussed is a change in flight paths, including the possibility of passing through the southern or African routes, taking into account aviation authorities and related countries.