Indonesia urges Umrah pilgrims to fly direct rather than via Singapore or Malaysia
The government says using Indonesian carriers would support the domestic economy, while airlines need better services and competitive fares.
Indonesia is encouraging Umrah pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia to choose direct services operated by Indonesian carriers instead of connections through Singapore or Malaysia. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the recommendation was intended to support domestic aviation and the national economy.
Deputy Hajj and Umrah Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak put the number of Indonesian Umrah travellers connecting through the two countries at around 70,000. He encouraged greater use of Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air, but acknowledged that the airlines needed to improve service and offer competitive fares to attract passengers.
According to the ministry, officials have discussed route choices with associations representing Umrah travel operators, asking them to weigh safety alongside economic considerations. Officials also met representatives of Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air and airport operator Angkasa Pura about flight services and facilities at Hajj and Umrah terminals.
Dahnil described direct travel to Jeddah or Madinah as safer, without explaining the basis for that claim. He said Umrah activities in Saudi Arabia remained normal despite Middle East tensions. His ministry is working with Indonesia's foreign ministry to monitor developments.
Separately, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) advised Singaporeans on Oct. 14 to consider delaying Umrah trips while security risks remained heightened. That followed Singapore's foreign ministry recommendation to defer all Saudi Arabia travel amid increased missile and drone attacks on civilian aviation and energy infrastructure there.
