Indonesia Repatriates 6,047 Umrah Pilgrims, Urges Departure Delays Amid Middle East Tensions
Jakarta. As many as 6,047 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims have safely returned home over the past two days as the government intensifies its monitoring of escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Hajj and Umrah Ministry says.
Ministry spokesperson Ichsan Marsha said the repatriation process has been proceeding in stages under close coordination to ensure the safety and protection of pilgrims.
“From Feb. 28 to March 1, a total of 6,047 pilgrims have returned safely. The government continues to oversee the process so that all pilgrims can return in an orderly manner,” Ichsan said in Jakarta on Sunday.
On Feb. 28, some 4,200 pilgrims flew home on 12 flights, followed by 2,047 pilgrims on five flights the next day.
The ministry said it is prioritizing safety amid heightened regional instability and ongoing flight disruptions. It has urged Umrah pilgrims scheduled to depart in the near future to postpone their trips until conditions in the Middle East stabilize.
At the same time, the government confirmed that preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage will proceed as scheduled.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simajuntak said authorities see no need to revise the Hajj timetable but will continue to closely monitor developments.
“We hope the situation will normalize soon and that all parties will exercise restraint. The government will continue to monitor developments and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims,” Dahnil said.
According to data from the government’s Umrah and Special Hajj Management Computerized System (Siskopatuh), around 58,873 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims are currently in Saudi Arabia.
The ministry said that licensed Umrah travel operators (PPIU) remain fully responsible for pilgrims, from departure and services in Saudi Arabia to their return home. About 43,363 prospective Umrah pilgrims from 439 travel agencies are scheduled to depart before the Hajj season begins on April 18, 2026.
Pilgrims facing legal issues, emergencies, or protection concerns in Saudi Arabia or transit countries have been advised to contact the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate. The government said it is coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi authorities, airlines, and travel operators to ensure assistance, including accommodation if flights are delayed.
Officials reiterated that the safety and protection of Indonesian citizens abroad remain the top priority while safeguarding the integrity of the 2026 Hajj preparations.
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