President Prabowo Seeks Dedicated Hajj Terminal in Saudi Arabia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia will begin sending its first group of Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2026, marking the start of the Wave 1 phase to Medina that will continue until May 6.

President Prabowo Subianto has asked the Saudi government to allow Indonesia to establish a dedicated terminal for its pilgrims, aiming to streamline arrivals and departures during the annual pilgrimage.

“I requested permission from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Indonesia to have a special Hajj terminal. This would allow our pilgrims to enter and exit more quickly,” President Prabowo said during a government working meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The president also announced that Indonesia’s Hajj waiting list has been significantly shortened, with the maximum wait now 26 years, down from 48 previously. “I will continue to fight to make it even shorter,” he added.

President Prabowo further discussed the development of an “Indonesian Hajj Village” in Mecca with Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar and executives from Danantara, COO Dony Oskaria, and CTO Sigit P. Santosa.

They confirmed that Indonesia has secured 45 hectares of land for the project. “We will build an Indonesian Hajj village, with dozens of towers to accommodate our pilgrims,” President Prabowo explained.

On cost efficiency, the president summoned national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia CEO Glenny Kairupan to report on his earlier directive to form a joint venture with Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia Airlines.

The plan, he said, would reduce Hajj travel expenses while benefiting both airlines. “Currently, Garuda flies pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and returns empty. Saudia does the same. I asked, why not cooperate? Create a joint company, 50 percent Saudi, 50 percent Indonesia,” President Prabowo said.

If realized, Garuda flights carrying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia could return with passengers, while Saudia flights bringing pilgrims home could also operate with full loads.

President Prabowo reminded Glenny that the instruction was issued two months ago and demanded a progress report. “Has this been done? I ordered it about two months ago. This must be executed quickly,” he asked.

The proposals reflect Indonesia’s efforts to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall experience for its pilgrims, while strengthening cooperation with Saudi Arabia in managing one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. ***