Padang, West Sumatra, March 2 -- The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirmed that the government guarantees the safety and protection of umrah pilgrims who are currently stranded or facing difficulties returning home due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

"The government is present. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has an office in Saudi Arabia called the Hajj Affairs Office," acting head of the ministry's West Sumatra Office M. Rifki said here on Monday.

Rifki made the statement in relation to 2,500 to 3,000 umrah pilgrims from West Sumatra who remain stranded in Saudi Arabia following recent regional conflicts.

He added that Indonesia also has a Consulate General in Saudi Arabia tasked with protecting pilgrims in case of any pr...