Indonesia’s 2026 Hajj Evaluation Shows Reduced Costs, Ongoing Queue Issues

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has assessed that the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage still requires improvements, particularly in queue management and service delivery.

The evaluation was presented during a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Garuda Yaksa Padepokan in Hambalang, Bogor, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Deputy Speaker of the DPR RI, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, said parliamentary oversight had noted several positive developments, including a reduction in the Hajj Pilgrimage Cost (BPIH) over the past two years. However, he emphasized that these improvements were not enough to address the main challenges of the Hajj.

“We are presenting the results of our oversight so that tangible improvements can be achieved under President Prabowo’s administration, both in terms of costs, services, and queues,” Cucun said after the meeting.

He revealed that around 240,000 Indonesian pilgrims depart for the Holy Land each year, yet many must wait decades. In some regions, waiting times have reached 35 to 40 years.

Cucun noted that the government has begun efforts to reduce waiting times to around 26 years, but the DPR believes this figure must be shortened further.

“The President requested that we continue to seek ways to accelerate the queue, not stop at the current figure,” he said.

The DPR stressed that improving the Hajj system requires not only cost efficiency but also governance reform to better meet high public demand.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak stated that around 20 areas of the 2026 Hajj implementation will be further evaluated.

He emphasized that President Prabowo places great importance on improving Hajj services to ensure better access to the pilgrimage for all Indonesian Muslims. “The President’s message is clear: Hajj services must continue to improve so more people can travel with better service,” Dahnil said.

The DPR underlined that the results of this evaluation will inform future Hajj policies, particularly those aimed at reducing long queues and improving service quality. (Misni Parjiati)