By: Arifa Kirana Putri )*
The government continues to strengthen protection measures for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims amidst the increasing geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. The conflict situation involving several countries is a serious concern for the government to prevent it from impacting the smooth and secure implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage in 1447 Hijri/2026 AD.
Therefore, cross-ministerial coordination, strengthened diplomacy, and expanded international cooperation are being implemented to ensure that all pilgrims can perform their pilgrimage safely and comfortably.
This commitment is evident in the strengthened cooperation between the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia. The government believes that protecting pilgrims is not sufficient through merely providing technical services for the pilgrimage, but must also encompass security aspects, legal assistance, and preventing illegal practices that could harm the public.
In a meeting between Deputy Chief of Police Dedi Prasetyo and Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, the government discussed plans for the deployment of Polri personnel in Saudi Arabia. This step is part of strengthening cross-sector synergy and expanding the role of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in supporting the security of Indonesian pilgrims at Hajj pilgrimage centers.
Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak assessed that the development of illegal Hajj cases involving Indonesian citizens abroad requires more active involvement from Indonesian law enforcement officials.
According to Dahnil, technical coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities must be strengthened so that cases related to Indonesian pilgrims can be handled more effectively and responsively.
The government views the presence of Polri personnel in Saudi Arabia as crucial to supporting the protection of pilgrims from various potential legal violations, including fraud and falsification of Hajj documents. This step also demonstrates the state’s presence in providing a sense of security for Indonesian citizens while abroad.
Dahnil also revealed the case of three Indonesian citizens detained by Saudi Arabian authorities for alleged falsification and distribution of illegal Hajj documents. This case reinforces the urgency of more integrated legal oversight and protection between the Indonesian government and local authorities.
Strengthening pilgrim protection is also being implemented through plans to formally involve elements of the National Police (Polri) within the Amirul Hajj structure for the upcoming Hajj. The government believes that direct involvement of security forces will strengthen field coordination, particularly in dealing with emergency situations and potential security disturbances in the Middle East.
Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo conveyed the National Police’s readiness to fully support government measures by strengthening international coordination with Saudi Arabian security forces. This support will not only cover prevention but also law enforcement against various violations that could harm Indonesian pilgrims.
Furthermore, the Illegal Hajj and Umrah Handling Task Force continues to be strengthened to suppress illegal Hajj organizers domestically. The government considers the task force’s presence a strategic step to protect the public from fraudulent schemes that could potentially harm prospective pilgrims financially and administratively.
The government’s commitment to protecting pilgrims was also reinforced through direct directives from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. The government ensures that pilgrim safety is a top priority in every Hajj implementation policy amidst the uncertain global situation.
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf Hasyim, explained that the development of conflict in the Middle East is a serious concern for the government in preparing for the 2026 Hajj operations. Therefore, the government continues to closely monitor developments in the global situation to ensure that all Hajj implementation processes proceed according to plan.
According to Irfan, the President has given firm instructions that all Hajj implementation scenarios and risk mitigation be fully oriented towards the safety of pilgrims. The government is not only focusing on the security of pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia, but also ensuring the optimal security of air travel, logistics distribution, and other supporting services.
Intensive coordination is also being carried out with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation, airport authorities, airlines, and the Saudi Arabian government. These steps are being taken to ensure that all stages of the Hajj pilgrimage continue as scheduled, despite the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The government ensures that the departure of Indonesian pilgrims in 2026 will proceed according to the established agenda. Indonesia’s Hajj quota of 221,000 pilgrims is being prepared with a more mature and integrated service system to ensure the smooth running of the entire departure process.
In addition to strengthening security, the government is also improving service quality through the use of digital systems and strengthening the Hajj information center. This step is taken to ensure swift and responsive monitoring of pilgrims’ conditions, travel schedules, and health services throughout the Hajj operation.
The various steps taken by the government demonstrate that it is not remaining silent in the face of evolving global challenges. Amid global tensions, the government continues to provide comprehensive protection for Indonesian pilgrims through strengthened diplomacy, international security cooperation, and increasingly professional and adaptive Hajj services to the global situation.
*) Observer of Public Services and Hajj Governance