Muslims have begun their annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, a sacred journey unfolding amid heightened regional tensions fueled by the ongoing Iran-US conflict.
Last week, Saudi authorities confirmed the arrival of approximately 1.51 million prospective pilgrims from various nations, including a significant contingent from Indonesia. This figure represents an increase of 11,000 pilgrims compared to the previous year, even as regional anxieties persist regarding a potential re-escalation of the three-month conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Despite these regional concerns, Indonesia successfully dispatched its Hajj pilgrims on April 22 and 23, 2026. This year, Indonesia was allocated an official Hajj quota of 221,000 individuals, underscoring the nation’s significant participation in the global pilgrimage.
Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, previously stated that his ministry is closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East. He emphasized that the Indonesian government is maintaining continuous coordination with various stakeholders to ensure the smooth and safe execution of the Hajj process. “Hopefully, the disputes in the Middle East will subside soon, and we hope that those in conflict will respect the Hajj process for Muslims from all over the world,” Irfan Yusuf was quoted by Antara on Sunday, March 29, 2026. He further expressed hope that a de-escalation of the conflict would allow Muslims to perform their Hajj rituals peacefully and with utmost devotion. “By respecting this, they will lower the tension of the conflict, enabling Muslims to perform Hajj calmly and carry out their worship in the best possible way,” he added.
Echoing these sentiments, Puji Raharjo, the Director General for Hajj and Umrah Management, affirmed the Indonesian government’s unwavering commitment to pilgrim safety as its top priority. “Our framework is clear: pilgrim safety is paramount. Postponement is not cancellation but a risk mitigation step. This demonstrates the state’s presence to ensure protection, certainty, and tranquility for all pilgrims,” Raharjo stated earlier this March, highlighting the proactive measures taken to safeguard the spiritual journey.
The regional backdrop to this year’s Hajj is complex and volatile. Prior to a fragile ceasefire implemented last month, Iran had launched waves of missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, retaliating against earlier US and Israeli airstrikes. More recently, the US military carried out its latest aerial assault in southern Iran, indicating the persistent nature of the hostilities.
A specific incident on March 8 saw two civilians in the central city of al-Kharj tragically killed in an Iranian attack, along with a US military member stationed at the nearby Prince Sultan Air Base. In response to the escalating threats, the Saudi Ministry of Defense last week released a video on social media showcasing its advanced air defense systems positioned on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca, located in the western part of the kingdom. The accompanying statement asserted, “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 guests.”
Nobody wants war
Amidst the geopolitical unease, pilgrims express their heartfelt desires for peace. Mohammed Chahada, an Egyptian in his 50s, was among the pilgrims voicing hope for a peaceful resolution between the US and Iran. “The war in Iran has affected the whole world. Nobody wants war or harm to countries and people,” he told AFP while departing the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam’s most sacred site.
Other pilgrims shared their profound gratitude for finally reaching Saudi Arabia, a journey fraught with months of uncertainty, flight disruptions, and soaring travel costs. “I have wanted to perform Hajj my whole life, for 40 or 50 years,” said Jreish Mohammed, a 68-year-old Moroccan man. “And this year, my dream came true.” These personal narratives highlight the deep spiritual significance of the Hajj, often representing a lifelong aspiration for many Muslims.
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, takes place during the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is an obligatory spiritual journey that every adult Muslim, who is financially and physically capable, must undertake at least once in their lifetime. This year, pilgrims are also contending with extreme weather, with temperatures expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius on the first day of Hajj. Their initial ritual involves heading to the Grand Mosque in Mecca to circumambulate the Ka’bah seven times—a profound act known as tawaf.
Following the tawaf, pilgrims proceed to Mina, located approximately 5 kilometers from Mecca, where they spend the night in tents. The 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 considered the spiritual pinnacle of the entire Hajj pilgrimage.
Avoiding flights over conflict zones
In a proactive move on April 16, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) to “ensure the security and safety of Hajj pilgrims for 2026.” As part of these measures, Indonesian Hajj flight paths were strongly advised to “avoid conflict zones,” as reported by Antara.
Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Ministry, confirmed that Hajj flights and departures this year would proceed according to the Saudi Arabian government’s plans, despite the regional conflicts. To this end, Hamidah emphasized, “for Hajj travel operators, flight routes should endeavor to avoid conflict zones, especially considering there will be direct Hajj flights to Jeddah.”
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Summary
Over 1.5 million Muslims, including a significant contingent of 221,000 from Indonesia, have begun the Hajj pilgrimage amidst heightened regional tensions between the US and Iran. The Indonesian government is closely monitoring the conflict and coordinating with various stakeholders to prioritize the safety and security of its pilgrims. To ensure protection, Saudi Arabia has also deployed advanced air defense systems around the holy city of Mecca to confront potential aerial threats.
As part of its mitigation efforts, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Hajj flight operators to avoid conflict zones during transit. Despite the volatile geopolitical backdrop and extreme heat, officials confirmed that the pilgrimage will proceed with continuous safety monitoring. The state remains committed to providing protection and tranquility for all pilgrims throughout their sacred journey.