Thousands of Indonesian Pilgrims Stranded as Middle East Tensions Rise
Jakarta – Tensions are escalating sharply in the Middle East following a series of attacks initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran, culminating in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The resulting retaliatory strikes by Iran are impacting regional air travel and leaving thousands of Indonesian pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia, uncertain of their return home.
As of , approximately 58,873 Indonesian citizens remain in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, according to data from the Integrated Computerized System for Umrah and Special Hajj Management (SISKOPATUH).
Puji Raharjo, Director General of Hajj and Umrah at Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, confirmed that the government is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving regional situation. “We urge all Umrah pilgrims to remain calm and avoid panic,” Raharjo stated in a written release from the Ministry’s Bureau of Public Relations on Saturday, . “Continue to coordinate with your respective Umrah tour operators to obtain the latest official information.”
The safety of Indonesian citizens remains the government’s top priority, Raharjo emphasized. Coordination is ongoing with the Indonesian Hajj Affairs Office (KUH), the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Jeddah, and the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh to ensure swift responses to developments on the ground.
“The Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the security and safety of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims remains the primary concern,” he added.
The crisis was triggered by a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran on , which resulted in the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes targeting not only Israel but too countries hosting US military bases, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar.
The reciprocal attacks have led to widespread disruption of air travel, with numerous airlines suspending flights to and from the region. Among the carriers that have announced flight suspensions are Aegean Airlines, Air Algerie, Air France, Air India, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Emirates, Finnair, Garuda Indonesia, Iberia, Indigo, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air.
The United Arab Emirates has been directly impacted by Iran’s retaliatory strikes. According to reports, several areas within the UAE were targeted due to the presence of US military installations. Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi was hit by a missile, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. Dubai International Airport also sustained damage, with reports of injuries to four staff members in a waiting area. Attacks were also reported at Jebel Ali Port and the Palm Jumeirah area.
Bahrain has also been affected, with reports indicating that the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet service center was targeted by Iranian missiles. The US Embassy in Bahrain has been temporarily closed.
The Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a warning to Indonesian citizens in the UAE, urging them to exercise caution in their daily activities and avoid potentially affected areas. The embassy advises remaining calm, monitoring information from official sources, and maintaining communication with fellow Indonesian nationals and family members.
Indonesian citizens in the UAE who are directly or indirectly affected, or who are aware of fellow citizens requiring assistance, are urged to contact the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi at +971-566156259. For those in the northern emirates, the Indonesian Consulate General in Dubai provides a hotline at +971-563322611 and +971-564170333 for emergency and consular services.
The Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi stated it will continue to monitor the security situation and provide updates to the Indonesian community in the UAE as needed.
Similarly, the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran has issued a call for heightened vigilance to Indonesian citizens residing in Iran. Details regarding specific guidance from the Tehran embassy were not immediately available.
The escalating conflict represents a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, with potentially far-reaching consequences for regional stability and international security. The disruption to air travel poses a direct challenge to the repatriation of Indonesian pilgrims, highlighting the human cost of the unfolding crisis. The Indonesian government is actively working to mitigate the impact on its citizens and secure their safe return home, but the situation remains fluid and unpredictable.