JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto wants that in the future the officers who organize the hajj will be dominated, even entirely, by elements of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia (Polri).
This desire is based on the need for discipline, physical strength, and the readiness of officers in facing the heavy challenges during the implementation of the hajj, especially in Saudi Arabia.
In response to this, the Chairman of the National Commission for Hajj and Umrah, Mustolih Siradj, assessed that the involvement of the TNI and Polri in the implementation of the hajj was not new. According to him, the police have been involved, while the TNI's role is needed, especially in the aspect of the safety of the congregation.
"If you look at the last four to five years, especially during the peak phase of the Hajj in Armuzna - Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina, it is a very crucial situation and requires great mobilization, high discipline, and mastery of the terrain," he told VOI, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
He explained that at the peak of the hajj, which includes wukuf in Arafah, staying in Muzdalifah, and staying in Mina and throwing jumrah at Jamarat, the role of officers with command ability and field readiness is very important for the smooth and safety of the congregation.
Mustolih gave an example, in recent years, including in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the Armuzna operation was led by a Navy TNI officer with the rank of Colonel. This, he said, shows that conditions in the field do require strong leadership, mastery of the field, and a solid chain of command.
"The conditions of the hajj have not changed much. The Armuzna field is still heavy and challenging, so the involvement of the TNI is still very relevant for the years to come," he said.
According to Mustolih, the presence of the TNI strengthens the Indonesian Hajj mission, especially in terms of preparation, readiness, and discipline of officers. He highlighted the phenomenon of Hajj officers who also carry out worship, which on certain sides can have an impact on the focus of service at the peak of Hajj.
"With the involvement of the TNI, it is hoped that services can be better maintained because TNI personnel are trained physically and mentally to be ready for field situations," he said.
However, Mustolih emphasized two important notes. First, the plan to make all Hajj officers from the TNI element needs to be reviewed. According to him, the need for Hajj officers is not only about physical and discipline, but also includes administrative services, catering distribution, health services, and guidance for worship.
"The guidance of worship must be more appropriately carried out by non-military elements who have religious competence, such as from Islamic organizations, boarding schools, and Islamic universities," he added.
In addition, regarding health services. Mustolih assessed that the health services of the hajj pilgrims would be more optimal if they were still handled by the Ministry of Health through the Indonesian Hajj Health Center which was filled with professional medical personnel.
He concluded that the wider involvement of the TNI in the organization of the hajj was in principle relevant and permissible, especially for the safety of the congregation in the midst of the dominance of elderly congregations and extreme weather that could reach 50 degrees Celsius. However, handing over all roles to the TNI was considered inappropriate.
"Clear role division is needed. The TNI focuses on safety and field operations, while guidance on worship, health, and other services is handled by competent parties in their fields," he concluded.
Previously, Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Abdul Wachid, said that the government wanted the future of the haj organizing officers to be dominated, even entirely, by elements of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia (Polri).
According to him, this desire is based on the need for discipline, physical strength, and the readiness of officers in facing the heavy challenges during the implementation of the hajj, especially in Saudi Arabia.
"As the Deputy Minister said, in fact, the President expects these Hajj officers to come entirely from the TNI and Polri elements," said Abdul Wachid.
In line with this, the National Police stated its readiness to support the government's plan to increase the quota of Hajj officers from the National Police.
Karopenmas of the Public Relations Division of the National Police, Brigjen Pol Trunoyudho Wisnu Andiko, said that in principle, the National Police is ready to meet and support this policy in accordance with its capacity and competence.
"Regarding the government's plan to increase the quota of Hajj officers from the National Police, in principle, the National Police is ready to meet and support according to capacity and competence," he said.
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