High Hajj Mortality Rate, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Ready to Strengthen Services

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf (center) welcomes members of Musyrif Dini at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Banten, Tuesday (9/6/2026). (ANTARA)

MAKASSAR - Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) Mochamad Irfan Yusuf emphasized that improving the health services of pilgrims is one of the main focuses in the implementation of the Hajj in the future. This step was taken after the death rate of pilgrims from South Sulawesi was recorded as the highest compared to a number of other provinces.

The statement was made by Irfan after welcoming the return of the Debarkasi Makassar Kloter 17 pilgrims at the Sudiang Hajj Dormitory, Jalan Goa Ria, Biringkanaya District, Makassar City, Sunday, June 14.

"We must improve in the field of health, especially South Sulawesi," he said.

According to Irfan, based on data from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, as many as 19 South Sulawesi pilgrims died during this year's Hajj season. This number is considered high compared to other provinces.

The man, who is familiarly called Gus Irfan, explained that the death toll of pilgrims from South Sulawesi was almost the same as the previous year's hajj season. Meanwhile, in a number of other provinces, the death toll of pilgrims actually showed a downward trend.

This condition is a serious concern for the government in carrying out evaluations and preparations for the implementation of the Hajj next year. Menhaj considers that health education for prospective Hajj pilgrims needs to be strengthened from before departure.

With better health conditions, it is hoped that pilgrims will be able to carry out all the series of worship safely and comfortably while in the Holy Land.

"It's not tightening, but carrying out the standard of istithaah according to the correct rules," he said.

He emphasized that the implementation of the health istithaah standard was not intended to limit people from going on the hajj, but to ensure that pilgrims have adequate physical condition to carry out the worship which is quite exhausting.