The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj has urged Indonesian citizens in Saudi Arabia, including Umrah pilgrims, to avoid high-risk locations following the evolving situation in the Middle East.
Previously on Sunday, one person was killed and 11 others injured in Yemen’s Houthi strike on Riyadh airport, just a day after a similar attack killed 12 and injured hundreds, citing DW.
Ministry spokesperson Ichsan Marsha urged Indonesian citizens to remain calm, maintain their safety, and follow information from official sources. The public is also advised to limit non-urgent activities, especially in areas affected by the evolving security situation.
“We urge Indonesian citizens in Saudi Arabia, including Umrah pilgrims, to remain calm and increase their vigilance. Avoid vulnerable locations, comply with applicable regulations, and follow the directions of local authorities. Safety must be a priority,” Ichsan said when contacted from Jakarta on Monday, as quoted from Antara.
Ichsan warned Indonesian citizens against spreading news that could lead to unrest and being easily influenced by unverified information.
Indonesians are urged to prioritize official information when deciding on activities and travel while in Saudi Arabia.
For Umrah pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Hajj urges them to continue coordinating with Umrah Travel Organizers (PPIU), monitoring travel information, and following safety directives from local authorities.
Umrah travel organizers are also expected to ensure the pilgrims’ condition is monitored and to provide important information regularly.
Meanwhile, for pilgrims who have not yet departed for Saudi Arabia, the government urges them to continue monitoring developments and official travel information.
Pilgrims are directed to communicate with PPIU to confirm their schedule, flight status, and departure readiness. They are also advised not to make decisions based on unverified information.
“Follow government directives and do not hesitate to ask organizers for clarification if there are changes to the schedule or travel requirements,” said Ichsan.
The Ministry of Hajj emphasizes the importance of vigilance and compliance with relevant regulations. All Indonesian citizens, especially Umrah pilgrims, he said, are urged to prioritize safety, avoid potentially dangerous locations, and follow the directions of local authorities while the security situation continues to develop.
Saudi Arabia has ramped up its military involvement in Yemen, backing the government in launching strikes against the Houthi group. In response, Houthi warned airlines and travelers to avoid Saudi airports, but assured that airports in Mecca and Medina would not be targeted.
“We renew our warning to all airlines, experts, employees, workers and travelers against using Saudi airports and airspace, as they are vulnerable to attack and have become a theater of operations for our forces,” read a statement released by the group on social media, citing DW. “We urge everyone to take our warnings seriously… Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions.”
