English: Amman, Jordan - Indonesia confirmed the return of the last batch of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims who were stuck in Jordan and unable to continue their journey to Saudi Arabia (04/03/2020). There are 285 Indonesian pilgrims detained in Jordan and have now returned to their homeland following Saudi Arabia's policy to temporarily suspend entry permits to their country.

Saudi Arabia's decision raises concerns for the detained pilgrims, especially regarding the certainty of their return. Indonesia through the Indonesian Embassy in Amman moved quickly to take the necessary steps and was present for the congregation at Queen Alia airport, Jordan.

"As a form of state presence in protecting Indonesian citizens abroad, the Indonesian Embassy in Amman has coordinated with related parties, including representatives of travel agents, pilgrims, and airlines to ensure the return of pilgrims to Indonesia as soon as possible," said the Indonesian Ambassador to Jordan Andy Rachmianto.

Indonesia makes maximum efforts so that the congregation gets their rights in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.

Jordan is one of the pilgrimage destinations for Umrah plus pilgrims from Indonesia which is generally coupled with a pilgrimage to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Palestine. A number of Islamic historical sites in Jordan that are frequently visited by Indonesian Umrah pilgrims include the Kahf Cave (Ashabul Kahf), the site of the Mu'tah war and the Yarmouk war, the graves of the Prophet's companions, and the Dead Sea. In the last three years, the number of Indonesian tourists to Jordan has increased by 30% to reach more than 45,000 people every year.

(Source: Indonesian Embassy in Amman)