Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged Indonesian citizens in Saudi Arabia, including umrah pilgrims, to avoid high-risk areas amid evolving security conditions in the Middle East.
Ministry spokesperson Ichsan Marsha called on Indonesians to remain calm, stay alert, and follow official information and instructions from local authorities. He also advised them to limit non-essential activities, particularly in areas affected by security developments.
The ministry warned citizens against believing unverified reports or sharing information that could cause public concern. It urged them to rely on official sources when making decisions about their activities and travel.
For pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia, the ministry advised them to maintain contact with their Umrah travel operators, monitor travel updates, and follow local safety instructions. Travel operators should also keep track of pilgrims’ conditions and provide regular updates.
Meanwhile, pilgrims who have yet to depart for Saudi Arabia should check their travel arrangements with their respective operators. They should confirm flight schedules, departure status, and any changes to travel requirements before leaving Indonesia.
The advisory follows a reported attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, October 10. The incident reportedly killed 12 people and injured 309 others, prompting a temporary suspension of airport operations.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said the attack occurred amid continued assaults on civilian aviation facilities in the kingdom. Authorities were assessing the damage and conducting safety checks before resuming airport operations.
The Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh said it had received no reports of Indonesian citizens killed or injured in the attack as of its statement on Sunday, October 11. However, the embassy said it still needed to verify whether any Indonesians were among the injured.
The ministry reiterated that the safety of Indonesian citizens remains the priority while the regional security situation continues to develop. It urged umrah pilgrims and other Indonesians to avoid potentially dangerous locations, follow local authorities’ instructions, and verify travel information through official channels.
