JAKARTA — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has asked Indonesian Umrah pilgrims to increase their vigilance following an attack by the Houthi group on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Houthi threat extends across the entire territory of Saudi Arabia, with the exception of Makkah and Madinah, prompting pilgrims to prioritize safety and monitor official information.
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Spokesperson Ichsan Marsha urged Indonesian citizens (WNI) currently in Saudi Arabia, including Umrah pilgrims, to remain calm, avoid high-risk locations, and follow the directions of local authorities.
“We urge Indonesian citizens in Saudi Arabia, including Umrah pilgrims, to remain calm and increase their vigilance. Avoid high-risk locations, comply with applicable regulations, and follow the directions of local authorities. Safety must be the priority,” Ichsan said in Jakarta, quoted from the official Ministry website, Sunday (11/10).
“We ask pilgrims who have not yet departed to continue coordinating with their travel operators and verify departure information through official sources. Follow government directions and do not hesitate to ask travel operators for clarification if there are changes to travel schedules or requirements.”
The Ministry also reminded Indonesian citizens not to be easily influenced by unverified information and to refrain from spreading news that could potentially cause public unrest.
Pilgrims are also requested to monitor information and advisories from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Riyadh, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Jeddah, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Quoting Kompas.tv, the Houthi group threatened to make aviation facilities in Saudi Arabia targets of attack, except for airports in Makkah and Madinah.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned airline companies, workers, and travelers against using airports or passing through Saudi Arabian airspace.
The threat was issued following an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday (10/10).
The Houthis described the attack on Saudi Arabia as retaliation for bombing operations conducted by the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen. This situation adds to concerns regarding the security of air travel in the region.