Muslims have commenced their annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, a significant event unfolding against the backdrop of a Middle East region destabilized by the ongoing Iran-US conflict.
Last week, Saudi Arabian authorities confirmed the arrival of approximately 1.51 million prospective Hajj pilgrims from various countries, a figure that includes a substantial contingent from Indonesia.
This represents an increase of 11,000 pilgrims compared to the previous year, a notable rise even as regional anxieties persist over the potential for renewed escalation in the three-month-long conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Despite these underlying concerns, Indonesia proceeded with the dispatch of its prospective Hajj pilgrims on April 22 and 23, 2026, demonstrating its commitment to the sacred journey.
For this year’s pilgrimage, Indonesia was allocated an official Hajj quota of 221,000 individuals.
Earlier, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, affirmed that his ministry is closely monitoring the evolving conflict in the Middle East.
He further explained that the Indonesian government is in continuous coordination with various stakeholders to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the Hajj pilgrimage.
“Hopefully, the disputes in the Middle East can subside soon, and we truly hope that those involved in the conflict will respect the Hajj process for Muslims from all over the world,” Mochamad Irfan was quoted as saying by Antara on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
He also expressed his hope for the conflict to ease, allowing Muslims to perform their Hajj rituals in peace and tranquility.
“By respecting the Hajj, they will de-escalate the conflict, enabling Muslims to undertake the pilgrimage calmly and perform their devotions optimally,” he added.
Meanwhile, Puji Raharjo, the Director-General for Hajj and Umrah Implementation Development, emphasized that the safety of pilgrims is the government’s paramount priority.
“Our framework is clear: pilgrim safety comes first. Any delay is not a cancellation but a risk mitigation step. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to ensuring protection, certainty, and peace of mind for all pilgrims,” Puji Raharjo stated in early March.
Before a fragile ceasefire was implemented last month, Iran had launched waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. These actions were carried out in retaliation for perceived airstrikes by the United States and Israel.
In the latest development, the US military recently conducted another airstrike in southern Iran.
On March 8, two civilians residing in the central city of al-Kharj were killed in an Iranian attack, along with a US military service member stationed at the nearby Prince Sultan Air Base.
Last week, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense posted a video on social media showcasing their air defense systems positioned on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca, located in the western part of the kingdom.
“Air defense forces are responsible for protecting the skies above the holy sites and confronting all aerial threats to ensure the safety and tranquility of our guests,” read the statement accompanying the social media post.
‘No one wants war’
Mohammed Chahada, an Egyptian pilgrim in his 50s, was among those who voiced hopes for the United States and Iran to reach a peaceful resolution.
“The war in Iran has had an impact on the entire world. No one wants war or harm to countries and people,” he told the AFP news agency while leaving the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam’s holiest site.
Other pilgrims expressed profound gratitude for their arrival in Saudi Arabia after months of uncertainty, flight disruptions, and soaring travel costs.
“I have wanted to perform the Hajj my entire life, for 40 or 50 years,” said Jreish Mohammed, a 68-year-old Moroccan man. “And this year, my dream has come true.”
The Hajj pilgrimage stands as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, traditionally taking place during the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
This sacred journey is an obligatory rite that every adult Muslim, who is financially and physically capable, must undertake at least once in their lifetime.
Pilgrims this year also faced daunting temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius on the first day of Hajj. This challenging start accompanies their journey to the Grand Mosque in Mecca, where they perform the ritual of circling the Kaaba seven times, known as the tawaf.
Following the tawaf, pilgrims proceed to Mina, located approximately 5 kilometers from Mecca, to spend a night in tents. Their journey then continues to Mount Arafat, a revered site where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon.
The day spent in prayer at Mount Arafat is widely regarded as the spiritual pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Avoiding flights over conflict zones
On April 16, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborated with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) to “ensure the security and safety of Hajj pilgrims for 2026.”
As part of these efforts, they appealed for Indonesian Hajj flight routes to “avoid conflict zones,” as reported by Antara.
Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Ministry, confirmed that this year’s Hajj flights and departures are assured to proceed according to the Saudi Arabian government’s plans, notwithstanding the regional conflict.
Consequently, Heni stressed that “for Hajj travel operators, efforts should be made for flights to avoid conflict zones, especially considering there will be direct Hajj flights to Jeddah.”
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Summary
More than 1.5 million Muslims, including a significant contingent of 221,000 pilgrims from Indonesia, have commenced the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. This year’s journey takes place amid regional instability caused by ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. To ensure the safety of all attendees, Saudi Arabian authorities have deployed air defense systems around holy sites to monitor and confront potential aerial threats.
The Indonesian government is actively monitoring the security situation and coordinating with stakeholders to prioritize pilgrim safety as its paramount concern. As part of its mitigation efforts, Indonesia has instructed Hajj flight operators to reroute planes to avoid conflict zones during travel. Officials remain committed to providing protection and peace of mind for pilgrims throughout the duration of the sacred ritual.