Gov’t Prioritizes Safety of Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Amid Middle East Conflict

Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak delivers a statement to reporters on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta.

The Government has reaffirmed that ensuring the safety of pilgrims remains its top priority in organizing this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak delivered the statement during a media briefing at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Tuesday (03/10).

“The President’s message is clear. His main focus is ensuring the safety of Hajj pilgrims, and that remains our top priority. For that reason, we are preparing various scenarios, with particular emphasis on safeguarding Indonesian citizens who will perform the Hajj pilgrimage in April,” he said.

Dahnil also stated that the Government is preparing a range of measures and scenarios for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, scheduled to begin in April. He also emphasized that the formulation of these plans will take into account ongoing developments in the Middle East conflict.

“If the scenarios go as expected or the conflict subsides, and the safety of Indonesian citizens traveling for the Hajj can still be guaranteed, the first group is scheduled to depart on April 22. However, the President’s directive is clear — all conditions and possible scenarios must be fully anticipated,” he added.

The Government, he added, is also maintaining close coordination among ministries to ensure the safe implementation of this year’s Hajj.

“We will hold further discussions with the House of Representatives (DPR) if developments in the conflict indicate potential risks to Indonesian pilgrims,” he said.

Dahnil further said that the Government has prepared several scenarios for organizing the Hajj, with the safety of pilgrims as the main priority and these include choosing safer flight routes and, if necessary, postponing departures should conditions be considered potentially dangerous for pilgrims.

“For instance, if the situation poses a risk to safety, a postponement scenario could be implemented. Should the safety of our citizens be threatened, we will consult with the House of Representatives (DPR) and act in accordance with the President’s directives,” he added.

The Government’s emphasis on ensuring the safety of Hajj pilgrims reflects its commitment to protecting citizens while striving to guarantee that the pilgrimage proceeds safely and comfortably.(BPMI Setpres)(EP/TM)