March 13, 2026 | 08:08 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's National Commission on Hajj stated that the continuation of the 2026 pilgrimage depends heavily on the Saudi government's policy amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Mustolih Siradj, the chair of the National Commission on Hajj, stated that the conflict in the Middle East, due to the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, affects the security of the region, including the airspace for the Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia.
"The security and airspace for flights are crucial factors, considering that the Indonesian pilgrimage is the largest group with a quota of around 221,000 pilgrims," said Mustolih on Friday, March 13, 2026.
He said that the government needs to be cautious in making decisions regarding the departure of pilgrims this year. On one hand, the safety of the pilgrims is the top priority. However, canceling the departure of pilgrims unilaterally could also have broad impacts, including an increasingly long waiting list for the Hajj.
Canceling the departure of pilgrims can also cause administrative and financial issues. He mentioned that the cost of the pilgrimage, which has already been paid, covers various service components such as flights, hotels, meals, transportation, and services in Masyair. Most of these contracts have been agreed upon with various parties, including private companies providing pilgrimage services in Saudi Arabia.
Mustolih said the government needs to conduct a comprehensive assessment before making a decision. Various relevant institutions need to be involved in this assessment, including the House of Representatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and security and intelligence authorities. These institutions should assess the situation in the Middle East region and monitor other countries' steps regarding the Hajj pilgrimage.
According to Mustolih, the most decisive factor remains in the policy of the Saudi government. If the Saudi authorities decide to continue holding the pilgrimage, Indonesia needs to ensure the safety guarantee for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who will depart for the Holy Land.
"If the Saudi government declares the situation as safe and the pilgrimage continues, Indonesia must demand full security guarantees for the pilgrims," he said.
He added that the sending of pilgrims from Indonesia has taken place amid global conflict situations, including during World Wars I and II, as well as the Gulf War in 1990. This precedent can be one of the considerations in determining the organization of the 2026 pilgrimage.
Read: Minister: 2026 Hajj Departure Remains on Schedule Despite Iran War
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia's Hajj Quota Corruption Costs Rp622bn in State Losses
13 jam lalu
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed the total state financial loss in the alleged hajj quota corruption case amounting to Rp622 billion.
KPK Detains Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas
1 hari lalu
Former Minister of Religion, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, claims to have never accepted money from the distribution of the 2024 hajj quota.
Today's Top 3 News: 2026 Hajj Departure Remains on Schedule Despite Iran War
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Minister: 2026 Hajj Departure Remains on Schedule Despite Iran War
1 hari lalu
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Irfan Yusuf said that until today, the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage plan is still on track.
Indonesia Considers Three Hajj Plans Amid Middle East Conflict
2 hari lalu
Amidst the ongoing Iran vs U.S.-Israel war, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has prepared several scenarios for the implementation of the 2026 Hajj.
Indonesia May Delay 2026 Hajj if Middle East War Threatens Pilgrim Safety
2 hari lalu
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah acknowledges the possibility of changes to this year's hajj implementation.
Indonesia Maintains 2026 Hajj Timeline Amid Middle East Tensions
2 hari lalu
The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has confirmed that preparations for the 2026 hajj are about 95 percent complete.
Indonesia Clears First 2,280 Tons of Rice for Export to Saudi Arabia
6 hari lalu
The Indonesian National Food Agency will gradually export 2,280 tons of Bulog rice to Saudi Arabia to meet the consumption needs of Hajj pilgrims in 2026.
How the Middle East Conflict Affects Indonesia's Umrah Pilgrim Funds
9 hari lalu
Geopolitical tension involving Iran, Israel, and the United States in the Middle East is causing a dilemma for umrah travel organizers in Yogyakarta.
AWKI Warns Iran Conflict May Disrupt Hajj, Umrah
11 hari lalu
Indonesian National Entrepreneurs Alliance (AWKI) has warned Indonesian government about impact of US-Israel attack on Iran on Hajj and implementation
