TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have created uncertainty for Indonesian Umrah travel organizers and prospective pilgrims, though direct flights to Saudi Arabia are continuing as scheduled.
Retno Anugerah Andriyani, Secretary-General of the Umrah and Hajj Organizer Alliance of Indonesia (ASPHIRASI), said there has been no official decision from the Indonesian government to suspend Umrah departures.
“As of today, direct flights are still operating according to schedule. Several Umrah organizers are continuing to dispatch pilgrims because flights are running, visas have been issued, hotels are available, and there are no official flight restrictions to Saudi Arabia. In addition, direct routes do not pass through conflict areas,” Retno told reporters on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Her statement came after the Ministry of Religious Affairs previously advised pilgrims scheduled to depart soon to consider postponing their trips, amid escalating hostilities involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
Direct Flights Continue, Transit Routes Disrupted
Retno said direct services operated by airlines including Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Saudia remain unaffected.
However, ASPHIRASI reported significant disruptions to transit flights. Several international carriers have canceled or postponed services, affecting both outbound and return journeys for Indonesian pilgrims.
Some Indonesians currently in Saudi Arabia are facing difficulties returning home due to canceled connecting flights.
Others who have already secured visas and booked accommodation have been unable to depart after transit airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Scoot suspended or adjusted their schedules.
Call for Clear Mitigation Measures
The CEO of Hajar Aswad Mubaroq, an Umrah travel operator, stressed that any official postponement must be accompanied by a clear mitigation framework to prevent broader financial losses.
“ASPHIRASI proposes several measures, including canceling or rescheduling visas without penalties, refunding or adjusting hotel and transportation bookings, and relaxing services under Mashaaer, Masar, and Nusuk,” Retno said.
She described the current situation as a force majeure. However, she noted that most travel insurance policies do not cover geopolitical risks, meaning potential losses would largely be borne by travel organizers.
Retno compared the situation to the COVID-19 pandemic, when Saudi Arabia directly suspended Umrah services and implemented contract relaxation policies. At present, Saudi authorities have not halted Umrah operations, and direct flights remain active, while discussions of postponement have emerged within Indonesia.
ASPHIRASI has urged the government to ensure comprehensive protection for Indonesian pilgrims, both those currently in Saudi Arabia and those stranded due to transit cancellations.
“We hope the government will provide clear mechanisms for pilgrim protection, resolution of financial losses, and guarantees for the sustainability of the national Umrah industry,” Retno said.
Read: AWKI Warns Iran Conflict May Disrupt Hajj, Umrah
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