Haji 2026 Ended, Kemenhaj Evaluates Service Improvement

SURABAYA - The Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, stated that the evaluation of the 2026 Hajj service would focus on improving health services following a decrease in the number of deaths of pilgrims by around 20 percent compared to the previous year.

"There is one thing that is of special concern to us, namely health. This year the death rate has indeed been reduced by about 20 percent, but that is not a satisfactory figure. We will tighten the implementation of health even more," said Gus Irfan, his nickname, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, July 1.

He explained that although the death rate of pilgrims had decreased, the government still recorded 367 pilgrims and one Hajj officer who died in Saudi Arabia.

In addition, he continued, around 60 pilgrims are still undergoing treatment at the local hospital and continue to be monitored by a team that is still on duty in Saudi Arabia until the entire service process is completed.

According to him, health aspects will be the main concern so that the quality of service in the next hajj season will be better and able to reduce the death rate of pilgrims.

In addition to health, he continued, the government will also evaluate the arrangement of the flow of pilgrims, especially in Mina, which has limited capacity so that it requires more special handling in the upcoming Hajj season.

Irfan said that the 2026 Hajj operation had officially ended and the Ministry of Hajj would immediately begin preparations for the 2027 Hajj.

The evaluation, said Irfan, will be the basis for improving various aspects of services so that next year's Hajj service will be more effective and provide comfort for Indonesian pilgrims.

He also appreciated all Hajj officers, the DPR, the Saudi government, the media, and stakeholders who supported the smooth implementation of this year's Hajj.

"We will try to do much better," he said.