RI urges Umrah pilgrims to avoid Singapore, Malaysia transit
The government estimates 70.000 pilgrims still transit, while a travel association wants any ban phased in gradually, not abruptly.
The Indonesian government is urging Umrah pilgrims to avoid flights transiting through Singapore and Malaysia and instead take direct routes to Saudi Arabia on national carriers. Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said about 70.000 Indonesian pilgrims still transit through the two countries. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the shift to direct flights is considered safer and could also support the aviation industry and the domestic economy, with Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air among the carriers under consideration. AMPHURI, however, asked that the advice not be suddenly turned into a ban. AMPHURI Secretary General Zaky Zakaria Anshary said direct flights, especially to Madinah, remain limited, while many Umrah operators have already bought tickets that cannot be refunded or rescheduled.