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🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

Indonesian haj departures on track amid Middle East war

From The Straits Times · (5d ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Indonesia's haj departures are proceeding as scheduled despite ongoing Middle East conflict, with the first group of pilgrims departing April 22.
  • The country has an allocation of 221,000 pilgrims for 2026, with homemakers and private sector workers forming the largest demographic groups.
  • Authorities are implementing safety measures and have deployed haj organizers and a police task force to ensure pilgrim security and combat fraud.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, is moving forward with its annual haj pilgrimage preparations, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to fulfilling a deeply held religious obligation for its citizens. Despite the shadow of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Indonesian government and prospective pilgrims alike are prioritizing the spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of the haj as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Hopefully it will not have any impact. As far as I understand, the targets are specific areas in the Middle East, particularly those hosting US military bases.

— Pramita GumantiA pilgrim expressing confidence that the ongoing Middle East conflict will not disrupt her journey.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and the National Police are working in tandem to ensure the safety and security of the 221,000 allocated pilgrims. This includes deploying specialized haj organizers and establishing a task force to monitor and prevent crimes and fraud, a growing concern in recent years. This proactive approach underscores the government's dedication to protecting its citizens undertaking this sacred journey.

Individual pilgrims, like Ms. Pramita Gumanti, express a mixture of awareness and confidence. While acknowledging the regional tensions, she and her family, who registered for the haj in 2012, are determined to proceed, trusting Saudi authorities' assurances and the specific nature of the conflict's targets. Their long wait and unwavering aspiration highlight the profound significance of the haj for Indonesians, transcending geopolitical anxieties.

Performing the haj is not easy, and it is not as simple as umrah (minor haj). When the opportunity comes, it must be taken.

— Pramita GumantiA pilgrim explaining her determination to undertake the haj pilgrimage due to its significance and the long wait.

From an Indonesian perspective, the haj is not merely a religious rite but a cornerstone of national identity and a testament to the country's ability to manage large-scale international travel while ensuring the well-being of its people. The focus remains on facilitating this crucial pilgrimage, with local authorities taking all necessary steps to guarantee a safe and smooth experience for every Indonesian who has earned the opportunity to fulfill this divine commandment.

This is part of the state’s presence to ensure protection, security and a sense of justice for haj and umrah pilgrims.

— Johnny Eddizon IsirNational Police spokesperson explaining the rationale behind the police task force and monitoring efforts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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