Menhaj ensures that the implementation of Hajj 2026 is in accordance with the schedule, but the disaster area must be postponed.

JAKARTA - The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has ensured that the 2026 Hajj will be carried out according to the schedule planned by his ministry. However, the implementation of the Hajj for prospective pilgrims from disaster-affected areas in Sumatra has been postponed.

This was conveyed by Irfan after a closed meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR at the DPR building, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, December 23.

"Alhamdulillah, we are one of the things discussed, basically, is about the schedule, the schedule that we set. We are trying our best to keep that schedule," said Irfan.

The plan for the departure of prospective pilgrims in the year 1447 Hijri or 2026 AD in the first wave will begin on April 22, 2026. Meanwhile, the departure of the second wave will begin on May 7, 2026 until it ends with the arrival schedule of the second batch of pilgrims in the country on July 1, 2026.

"But there are some areas that may be delayed or even may not be able to meet their schedules because of this disaster," he continued.

However, Irfan thanked the House of Representatives Commission VIII for giving the Ministry of Religion the opportunity to be able to adjust the 2026 Hajj implementation plan.

"So Commission VIII gives us the opportunity to make changes as long as they do not go beyond the law," he said.

Irfan revealed that there were around 20 thousand pilgrims who were delayed in their departure because they were affected by the flood and landslide disasters that occurred at the end of November. Tens of thousands of pilgrims came from three provinces, namely Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

"The three locations are about 20 thousand maybe," he said.

Irfan detailed that the preparation for the implementation of the hajj in the three provinces had reached more than 50 percent, from each of the approximately 5,000 prospective pilgrims.

"Yes, if it is measured. Then West Sumatra is 60 percent, North Sumatra is 60 percent, Aceh is only 50 percent, 51 percent. That's what we are worried about," he said.

Irfan was unable to confirm whether the prospective pilgrims who were delayed would be sent in 2027 or in the following years. However, he said, the Ministry of Religion is still trying to ensure that this year's Hajj implementation remains in accordance with the planned schedule.

"It depends on the situation later. What is clear is that the first installment we will withdraw according to the situation. If, in fact, on a certain day the payment still cannot be paid, there is a possibility that we will move to another province and they will be prepared for 2027," he said.

"But we are still trying to be on schedule. But if, in fact, at the time the schedule is not fulfilled, we thank Commission VIII for giving us the opportunity to use the legal umbrella to be able to make different policies later," concluded Irfan.