The Ministry of Religious Affairs urges Umrah pilgrims to avoid high-risk locations in Saudi Arabia.

Jakarta – The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has called on all Indonesian Citizens (WNI), including Umrah pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia, to heighten their alertness following escalating security conditions across the Middle East region.

This advisory includes prohibitions against approaching high-risk locations, restrictions on non-essential activities, and full compliance with instructions from local authorities. Kemenhaj also urged the public to rely only on official verified information and refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports.

Kemenhaj Spokesperson Ichsan Marsha emphasized that the safety of Indonesian citizens must remain the top priority as the security situation continues to develop.

"We urge all Indonesian nationals in Saudi Arabia, including Umrah pilgrims, to remain calm and exercise increased vigilance. Avoid high-risk areas, comply with all applicable regulations, and follow all guidance issued by local authorities. Safety must come first," stated Ichsan in Jakarta, Monday (12/10/2026).

According to Ichsan, individuals must exercise caution when planning any activities or travel while staying in Saudi Arabia. Unconfirmed information risks causing public panic and may lead to poor impulsive decision-making.

Umrah Pilgrims Advised To Verify Flight Status

Kemenhaj has requested all pilgrims still present in Saudi Arabia to maintain continuous coordination with their registered Umrah Travel Organizer (PPIU). Pilgrims are also instructed to monitor official travel updates and adhere to all safety protocols issued by local authorities.

Umrah travel operators are expected to maintain active monitoring of all pilgrims under their care, and provide regular up-to-date official information to their groups.

Meanwhile, pilgrims who have not yet departed are advised to confirm their departure schedules, flight status, and all travel preparations via their appointed travel organizer and official information sources.

"We ask pilgrims who have not yet travelled to stay in close contact with their travel provider, and verify all departure information only through official channels. Follow all government guidance, and do not hesitate to request clarification from your organizer regarding any schedule changes or updated travel regulations," Ichsan was quoted as stating by Antara News Agency.

Kemenhaj has explicitly advised against pilgrims making hasty decisions based on unsubstantiated reports circulating on social media. Confirming details directly with your Umrah travel organizer and Airline is the critical step to obtain accurate updates for individual travel arrangements.

Riyadh Airport Attack Leaves 12 Dead

This official advisory was issued amid rising security tensions following an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday (10/10/2026).

Saudi Arabia's General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the attack resulted in 12 fatalities and 309 people injured. Multiple casualties are reported to be in critical condition.

Airport operations were temporarily suspended to allow for damage inspections and facility safety assessments. This suspension also disrupted all air travel operating through the airport.

Citing official Saudi authorities, Al Jazeera reported that Yemen's Houthi group has been identified as the party that carried out the strike. This incident comes amid an ongoing escalation of hostilities between the Houthi movement and opposing factions operating in and around Yemen.

Indonesian Embassy Riyadh Monitoring Status Of Citizens

Amidst these developments, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Riyadh confirmed that as of its official statement on Sunday (11/10/2026), there have been no reports of Indonesian citizens killed or injured in the airport attack.

Embassy officials are continuing verification checks for any Indonesian nationals who may have been affected, including individuals receiving medical treatment at hospitals in and around Riyadh. The Indonesian diplomatic mission is also maintaining ongoing coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities to track further developments.

For all Umrah pilgrims and Indonesian citizens residing or travelling in Saudi Arabia, this incident serves as a critical reminder to rely only on official information, avoid all at-risk locations, and confirm all travel plans exclusively through authorised parties.

Kemenhaj reaffirmed that heightened vigilance and full compliance with safety guidance will remain mandatory until the regional security situation is formally declared stable.