Ministry Of Hajj And Umrah Formed, Focuses On Congregational Services And Health

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VIII DPR RI Maman Imanul Haq said the soon formed Ministry of Hajj and Umrah would complement the integrated management of Hajj and Umrah, starting from coaching, services, to guaranteeing the safety and health of pilgrims.

The institution, which will become the 49th ministry in the era of President Prabowo's administration, has a structure up to the regional level to strengthen hajj education throughout Indonesia.

"So that Hajj is not just a formal routine, but must make donations for the formation of the nation's character," Maman said in his statement quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 26.

The 4th Plenary Meeting of the DPR RI During the First Session of the 2025-2026 Session Year approved the Draft Law on the Third Amendment to Law Number 8 of 2019 concerning the Implementation of Hajj and Umrah into Law, which states the establishment of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

In the draft law (RUU), the DPR also emphasizes the health aspects of pilgrims. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is required to coordinate with the Ministry of Health so that prospective pilgrims are truly declared healthy before leaving.

This also answers criticism from the Government of Saudi Arabia regarding the number of pilgrims from Indonesia who died during the pilgrimage.

Maman emphasized that the new ministry will also strictly regulate the implementation of Umrah so that travel or travel agencies for Hajj organizers can still dispatch pilgrims.

"However, all departures must be confirmed in the system of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah so that there are no more cases of pilgrims who are neglected or deceived," he said.

This member of the DPR RI from the West Java IX electoral district added that the DPR is targeting the acceleration of the ratification of the law so that it can be immediately followed by the issuance of government regulations.

This step is carried out in line with the acceleration of the transformation of the Hajj system by the Government of Saudi Arabia. With this new regulation, Indonesian pilgrims are expected to get certainty of services ranging from accommodation, catering, to return according to international service standards.

"This is the answer that the government works very aggressively, including receiving input from the public, and also of course input from the Government of Saudi Arabia," he explained.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is also assigned to strengthen communication with the Government of Saudi Arabia, given the acceleration of the system and service transformation in the Holy Land.

That way, Indonesia can adjust the policy faster and ensure the quota and facilities provided according to the needs of the congregation.

Maman added that the presence of this new ministry is an answer to the needs of the community as well as demands for modernizing Hajj and Umrah governance.

"The government wants to ensure that no more pilgrims leave without certainty of service and that the entire process is carried out transparently, accountably, and in favor of the congregation," he said.

In addition to technical aspects and services, the revision of this law also emphasizes the importance of post-hajj evaluation.

The DPR requested that the implementation report be submitted a maximum of 30 days after the Hajj season ends so that notes and input from the congregation can be immediately followed up for repairs in the following year.