Tangerang. Escalating geopolitical tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran are threatening Indonesia’s umrah travel industry, potentially inflicting financial losses on tour operators and affecting tens of thousands of pilgrims, a senior official said Tuesday.

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said the unpredictable security situation has directly impacted travel agencies that have already secured hotel bookings and flight tickets for pilgrims.

“The escalation is still ongoing. Travel agencies will certainly suffer losses because they have already booked hotels and airline tickets. War conditions are unpredictable,” Dahnil said at the Cipondoh Hajj Dormitory in Tangerang, Banten.

Indonesia — home to one of the world’s largest Muslim populations — sends around 2 million pilgrims annually for umrah, generating hundreds of billions of rupiah in revenue for domestic travel agencies.

The government plans to coordinate with Saudi authorities regarding possible relief measures for Indonesian tour operators, particularly concerning hotel bookings overseen by Saudi Arabia’s tourism authorities.

“Hotel management falls under the supervision of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry, particularly the Tourism Ministry. We will discuss possible relief options for umrah organizers,” Dahnil said.

Tens of Thousands Affected
Currently, 58,867 Indonesian umrah pilgrims remain in Saudi Arabia. In recent days, around 7,500 pilgrims have returned home as scheduled.

More than 48,000 pilgrims are registered to depart through travel agencies between now and April, excluding an estimated additional 50,000 to 60,000 independent travelers.

The Hajj and Umrah Ministry, in coordination with the Foreign Ministry, has issued an advisory urging prospective pilgrims to temporarily postpone their travel.

“There is no prohibition. This is an advisory to safeguard our citizens, because we do not know how the escalation will develop,” Dahnil said.

He added that Saudi authorities have not closed access or issued any official travel bans, and direct flights that do not transit through Iranian or Iraqi airspace continue to operate normally.

“Our steps are precautionary. The safety of Indonesian citizens remains the top priority,” he said.

Flight Disruptions and Refund Pressures
On aviation, Dahnil noted that most airlines are offering refund options for pilgrims who have not yet departed, as well as those currently in Saudi Arabia but unable to return due to route restrictions — especially transit flights passing through conflict-affected airspace.

Airlines continuing normal operations include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Saudia.

Dahnil said he has asked Garuda Indonesia’s chief executive to prepare contingency measures, including offering alternative flights at more affordable fares for pilgrims who originally booked cheaper foreign carriers but now need to switch.

“Pilgrims should not end up paying more simply because they initially chose a lower-cost foreign airline and then have to transfer to Garuda,” he said.

The government has also requested that Garuda place two aircraft on standby to evacuate Indonesian pilgrims or citizens stranded in the Middle East if necessary.

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