Indonesia’s hajj pilgrims departed for Saudi Arabia (Tempo)
The Indonesian government is preparing several contingency plans to anticipate the potential impact of escalating conflict in the Middle East on this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, with authorities emphasising that the safety of Indonesian pilgrims remains the top priority.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said on March 10 that the government has been instructed to prepare for various scenarios should the regional security situation deteriorate. Speaking after a Nuzulul Quran commemoration event at the State Palace in Jakarta, he noted that President Prabowo Subianto had directed officials to remain vigilant and ensure the protection of pilgrims. “The President’s message is clear. His primary concern is the safety of Indonesian pilgrims, and that is what matters most,” Simanjuntak said.
Among the measures under consideration is the adjustment of flight routes to Saudi Arabia if conventional air corridors are considered unsafe due to the conflict. Simanjuntak explained that alternative routes would be coordinated with aviation authorities and several transit countries. Possible options include diverting flights through southern air corridors or operating routes via parts of Africa to avoid potentially unstable areas of airspace.
The government is also leaving open the possibility of postponing departures if the situation escalates to a level that could endanger pilgrims. Simanjuntak noted that a similar measure had been taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Hajj pilgrimage was delayed due to global health concerns. For now, Indonesian authorities are continuing to closely monitor developments in the region before making any final decisions regarding the pilgrimage. Any major policy decision, he added, would be discussed with the House of Representatives (DPR) and coordinated with relevant ministries and government agencies.
Under the current 2026 Hajj schedule issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Indonesian pilgrims are expected to begin entering Hajj dormitories on April 21. The first wave of departures is scheduled for April 22, followed by a second wave beginning on May 7. Returning pilgrims are expected to arrive back in Indonesia between June 1 and July 1, 2026.
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