Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has urged Indonesian Umrah pilgrims to remain vigilant, particularly those traveling on connecting flights with layovers in the Middle East, where security risks are heightened.
"Please remain cautious, especially pilgrims who must transit through specific regions that require particular attention," Yusuf said in Jakarta on Thursday.
The minister’s advisory comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, following reports of a drone strike attributed to Yemeni Houthi group targeting an airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which reportedly caused casualties among international travelers.
Despite the heightened alert, Yusuf reassured the public that direct flights operating between Indonesian embarkation points and Saudi cities, including Medina and Jeddah, remain safe and on schedule.
"To date, direct flights remain safe. There have been no major delays lasting more than one to two hours. Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), the routes remain safe," he said.
He urged pilgrims to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel to high-risk areas, and strictly comply with safety directives issued by local authorities.
Yusuf's warning backed an earlier appeal by Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, who strongly advised pilgrims to choose non-stop routes between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah jointly advise Indonesian pilgrims to opt for direct flights to Medina or Jeddah," Simanjuntak said.
Simanjuntak emphasized that the ministry continues to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Saudi authorities to monitor developments in the region.
The Indonesian government has not enacted any formal travel bans or restrictions to Saudi Arabia, he said.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Uyu Liman
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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