REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirmed that the government guarantees the safety and protection of umrah pilgrims who are currently stranded or facing difficulties returning home due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

“The government is present. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has an office in Saudi Arabia called the Hajj Affairs Office,” acting head of the ministry's West Sumatra Office M Rifki said here on Monday.

Rifki made the statement in relation to 2,500 to 3,000 umrah pilgrims from West Sumatra who remain stranded in Saudi Arabia following recent regional conflicts.

He added that Indonesia also has a Consulate General in Saudi Arabia tasked with protecting pilgrims in case of any problems. “So if umrah pilgrims encounter difficulties returning, they will be assisted through the Hajj Affairs Office,” he said.

Rifki confirmed that following the tension between the United States-Israel and Iran, 136 prospective pilgrims from West Sumatra departed for Saudi Arabia on Sunday (March 1, 2026).

However, to prevent potential risks, the government has advised travel agencies and pilgrims to postpone departures to Saudi Arabia until further notice.

Regarding the 2,500 pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia, Rifki said they are scheduled to return and arrive at Minangkabau International Airport in Padang Pariaman District on March 5.

Previously, Deputy Chair of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR) Abdul Wachid expressed support for the government’s appeal to postpone pilgrims' departures.

“We urge the public to delay their umrah trips, whether planned at the end of Ramadan or during the month. We must wait for official announcements regarding security guarantees. Life safety is the highest priority that cannot be compromised,” Wachid said.

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