Indonesian Parliament Urges Embassy to Bolster Citizen Protection After Mecca Drone Incident

Member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, Maman Imanul Haq, has urged the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh and the Indonesian Consulate in Jeddah to strengthen communication and the dissemination of official information for Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Saudi Arabia. This call comes after Saudi authorities intercepted and destroyed a drone in the southern region of Mecca on September 15, 2026. "We ask the Indonesian Embassy and the Indonesian Consulate not only to monitor, but also to actively convey official information periodically. The clarity of information is very important so that our umrah pilgrims and workers are not taken in by misleading issues," said Maman on Friday, September 18. Maman emphasized that the Indonesian representative in Saudi Arabia must be the main reference to prevent mass panic due to the proliferation of chain messages on social media. He suggested that diplomatic communication channels should provide a help center (hotline) that is easily accessible to the public 24 hours a day. "In a crisis situation, late or unverified information can trigger panic," he stated. The legislator also requested that updates on security data in the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina be periodically forwarded to Umrah Travel Organizers (PPIU), field guides, and hotel managers where pilgrims stay. Maman assessed that proactive assistance is crucial, considering Indonesia is one of the largest senders of umrah pilgrims globally. Beyond protection for umrah pilgrims, Maman reminded that the emergency response scheme must include protection for all Indonesian migrant workers in the affected areas. He stressed that disaster mitigation and emergency contact measures must be thoroughly socialized without discrimination. He appealed to Indonesian citizens and umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to remain calm, increase vigilance, and comply with all directions from local security authorities. The public is also asked to strictly filter all forms of news that have not been confirmed as true. Information source: VOI English