RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a major shift in its oversight strategy for the 1447 H/2026 M pilgrimage season.

Moving away from direct service provision, the ministry will now act as a high-level auditor, ensuring that Special Hajj Organizing Agencies (PIHK) comply with contractual obligations and government regulations.

Unlike regular Hajj pilgrims, who are managed directly by the state, special Hajj pilgrims pay a premium for private services. Muhammad, a Special Hajj Service Facilitator, explained during a training session at Pondok Gede on Friday, January 23, 2026, that the oversight team will monitor every stage of the journey.

“Our duties are to oversee the performance of PIHK in terms of the services provided, starting from arrival at the airport, services in Mecca and Medina, through to the peak phase in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina,” Muhammad said, as quoted by Antara.

The ministry has established several checkpoints to ensure pilgrims receive the high standard of service they paid for, with special packages starting at USD 8,000.

Inspectors will be stationed at international terminals to verify that pickup services are prompt and professional, particularly for pilgrims arriving on foreign carriers such as Oman Air or Saudi Arabian Airlines. Only those flying with Garuda Indonesia are expected to continue using the dedicated Hajj terminal.

Oversight will also extend to accommodations. Inspectors will conduct unannounced visits to hotels and tents to ensure facilities meet Minimum Service Standards (SPM).

Hotels must be located in central zones near the Grand Mosque in Mecca or the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, with room occupancy capped at four people. Catering quality will also be checked to guarantee pilgrims receive proper meals.

The ministry is placing strong emphasis on digital compliance. Inspectors will audit the use of the Nusuk app and the validity of Tasreh permits to ensure all pilgrims’ digital documentation meets Saudi Arabia’s strict requirements.

Muhammad noted that the growing digitalization of the Hajj requires closer monitoring to protect pilgrims’ rights.

While the final number of supervisors is still being determined, the ministry plans to deploy around five specialized inspectors in each of the three major work areas: the airport, Mecca, and Medina.

Muhammad acknowledged that the oversight team’s formation is still under discussion at the leadership level, but past practice suggests similar staffing patterns.

He stressed that although the Ministry of Hajj now operates as an independent entity, its mission remains the protection of pilgrims. “We are not here to provide direct services, but to ensure that PIHK fulfills its responsibilities properly,” he said.

By acting as a referee rather than a player, the ministry aims to create a transparent and accountable environment that compels private agencies to deliver the premium services they have promised. ***