Politics · Indonesia · 3 hrs ago
Indonesia Urges Umrah Pilgrims to Avoid Transit Stops in Singapore and Malaysia
Indonesia’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry has urged travel associations to avoid transit stops in Singapore and Malaysia for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
The ministry recommends flying directly to Jeddah or Medina instead.
It says direct flights could be safer, but has not detailed specific risks linked to the transit routes.
The move is also intended to support Indonesia’s economy and domestic airlines, as about 70,000 Indonesian pilgrims are estimated to use those transit routes.
Indonesia has around two million umrah pilgrims each year, and the ministry has met with associations representing umrah travel operators.
Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air are expected to improve service and offer competitive fares if more pilgrims fly with them.
Umrah continues in Saudi Arabia as usual, according to Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged associations to avoid routing Umrah pilgrims through Singapore and Malaysia for the time being.
The government recommends direct flights to Jeddah or Medina in Saudi Arabia.
Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said direct flights would be safer, but the ministry did not specify risks linked to transit routes.
The advice is also intended to support Indonesia’s economy and domestic aviation industry.
- Who
- Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issued the advice to associations representing Umrah travel operators.
- What
- The ministry urged them to avoid transit routes through Singapore and Malaysia for the time being. It recommends direct flights to Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The article was published on October 30, 2026; it does not state when the advice was issued.
- Where
- The routes involve transit in Singapore and Malaysia, with direct flights to Jeddah or Medina in Saudi Arabia recommended.
- Why
- The government says the move could support Indonesia’s economy and aviation industry, and Dahnil said direct flights would be safer for pilgrims.
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- Transit countries
- Singapore and Malaysia
- Recommended destinations
- Jeddah or Medina, Saudi Arabia
- Estimated transit passengers
- About 70,000 Indonesian pilgrims routinely transit through the two neighboring countries
- Annual Umrah pilgrims
- About 2 million Indonesian citizens
- Domestic airlines named
- Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air
What people are saying
The ministry urges associations to avoid transit routes through Singapore and Malaysia for the time being.
Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air must strengthen their domestic market presence while remaining competitive in the international market.
Umrah activities in Saudi Arabia continue as usual.