ZOAHARIAN.COM – The Indonesian government is asked to immediately prepare an emergency scenario to protect Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Saudi Arabia, especially Umrah pilgrims, if the armed conflict between the Houthi group and Saudi Arabia continues to escalate.

Chairman of the National Haj Commission (Komnas Haji) Mustolih Siradj said the government needs to have clear anticipatory steps, starting from possible travel delays to evacuating pilgrims if the security situation worsens.

"Preparing scenarios for delays, route changes and evacuation, including guarantees for accommodation, food, health services, communication and repatriation," said Mustolih in his statement, Friday (18/9/2026).

According to him, it is important to take anticipatory steps so that the congregation is not confused if there is disruption to travel or flights to and from Saudi Arabia.

Mustolih also recommended that the government, in this case the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) and the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), activate a crisis coordination center.

The government is also deemed to need to collect real-time data on pilgrims who are about to depart, are already in Saudi Arabia, or who are experiencing delays in their return.

"(Also) collecting real-time data on pilgrims who are leaving, are currently in Saudi Arabia, or have delayed their return," he said.

In addition, information regarding security conditions is requested to be submitted periodically through official government channels. This step is considered important so that the congregation obtains information from one coordinated source and is not influenced by unverified news.

The rights of the congregation must be guaranteed

Mustolih also asked the Ministry of Haj to ensure that the rights of the congregation remain protected if the Umrah trip cannot be carried out due to security conditions.

Congregants, he said, must receive certainty regarding rescheduling options and fair refunds according to their respective travel conditions.

"All parties must exercise restraint, avoid speculation, and not take advantage of the situation. Safety, certainty of information, and protection of the rights of the congregation must be the main orientation of every policy," said Mustolih.

Ministry of Haj Asks Congregation to Remain Calm

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had previously asked the congregation to remain calm in response to developments in the security situation in the area.

The Director General of Hajj and Umrah Management, Puji Raharjo, asked pilgrims who have not yet departed to continue coordinating with the Umrah Travel Organizer (PPIU).

"Our congregation asks to remain calm. For those who have not yet departed, continue to coordinate with their respective PPIUs and monitor flight developments. Don't make decisions based on unverified information," said Puji on Wednesday (16/9/2026).

The Houthi-Saudi Arabia conflict heats up again

This situation became a concern after the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group escalated again after relatively easing in recent years following a ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia is known to have led a coalition fighting the Houthis since 2015. However, fighting escalated again in September 2026 after the Houthis stepped up attacks, while forces allied with Yemen's internationally recognized government came under pressure.

Yemeni government officials say the Houthis now control most of Yemen's western coast along the Red Sea. In the last few days, the group is also said to have seized Perim Island, which is at the entrance to the Red Sea.

A Yemeni official told Reuters that increased pressure on the Houthis had prompted the group to step up attacks on Saudi Arabia using missiles and drones.

In response, Saudi Arabian and Yemeni air forces stepped up attacks on a number of Houthi targets, including the area around the historic port of Mocha in the Red Sea region.

In the midst of this situation, the Indonesian government is required to ensure that the safety of Indonesian citizens is a priority, as well as providing clear information to Umrah pilgrims so that there is no panic or decisions based on unverified information.

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