Golkar Legislator: Hajj Management Transition From Ministry Of Religion To Ministry Of Hajj And Umrah Must Bring Improvements

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives from the Golkar Party faction, Sandi Fitrian Noor, said that the transition from the management of the pilgrimage from the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requires very mature and comprehensive readiness from all parties.

This aims to improve the quality of service to all Indonesian pilgrims. He emphasized that this transition should be a momentum to make the implementation of the pilgrimage in 2026 better than in 2025.

"In principle, change should bring improvement. This transition is a necessity, but the most important thing is how we ensure that none of the rights and conveniences of Indonesian pilgrims are neglected in this process. Our target is that Hajj 2026 must be more structured, more comfortable, and more meaningful," Sandi said in his statement, Tuesday, October 21.

Sandi said the available preparation time for the Indonesian Government, organizers, and prospective pilgrims is only about six months away.

Meanwhile, based on data from the Saudi Arabian aviation authority, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), flights from Indonesian pilgrims for 1447 H/2026 AD will begin on April 18, 2026.

"On the one hand, we have high hopes for improvements in the implementation due to this transition. But on the other hand, a very short time, only about six months, is a challenge that cannot be underestimated," said Sandi.

"All processes, ranging from registration, coaching, document depletion, to logistics and accommodation in Saudi Arabia, must be prepared with new models and procedures that may not be fully understood," he continued.

In previous years, according to Sandi, the process of preparing for Hajj began earlier, often more than a year before departure. For this reason, he assessed, the six months are a very busy period to coordinate hundreds of thousands of worshipers.

"Indonesia is the country with the largest hajj quota in the world, which is 221,000 pilgrims. Managing this large amount in a short time requires extraordinary efficiency and synergy. The reason is because the implementation of the hajj involves very complicated logistics, including air transportation (around 360-400 special flights), accommodation in Makkah and Medina, catering, and land transportation in Saudi Arabia," he explained.

As a form of supervision from Commission VIII of the DPR, Sandi advised the Government, in this case the Ministry of Religion and related Ministries/Institutions to be more transparent and effectively socialize all changes in procedures, schemes, and the rights of congregational obligations to the community.

"Education must be carried out through various channels, including the regional government and fostered groups," he said.

In addition, continued Sandi, all stakeholders, especially the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) at the central and regional levels must immediately get full briefing regarding a new cooperation scheme with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia.

"The government needs to evaluate and simplify the entire administrative process faced by prospective pilgrims. Digital technology must be utilized optimally to cut the complicated bureaucratic chain," said the legislator from the South Kalimantan I electoral district.

Sandi also suggested that the Government ensure and finalize all logistical needs, especially accommodation in Makkah and Medina, which meet reasonable standards of comfort, health, and distance from the Grand Mosque.

"We at Commission VIII of the DPR RI will continue to carry out our supervisory function strictly, but also support every progressive step of the Government. Let us jointly ensure that the pilgrimage, as an Islamic pillar that millions of people have been waiting for, can run smoothly and solemnly," said Sandi.

"Our focus is on the best service for Indonesian pilgrims, especially residents from South Kalimantan who I represent," he concluded.