2026 Arafah Sermon: DPR RI Oversight Team Highlights Hajj Service Improvements

Pilgrims are advised to reduce activities outside their tents in Arafah. Chairman of the DPR RI Hajj Supervision Team for 2026, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, expressed appreciation for the improvements in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage compared to previous years, made during the Arafah sermon while Indonesian pilgrims were performing the wuquf at Arafah. In his sermon, Cucun stated that the 2026 Hajj marks a significant historical milestone as the beginning of Hajj services under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration through the establishment of Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. ‘This is a historical milestone for all of us. The starting point of service and devotion to Muslims began in President Prabowo Subianto’s administration with the creation of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,’ Cucun said on Tuesday (26 May). He explained that following the enactment of Law No. 14 of 2025, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah immediately began transforming the previous system. According to him, the results of this transformation are already being felt by Indonesian pilgrims in the Holy Land. ‘We are grateful that, by the grace of Allah SWT, all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims can be in this sacred place safely, comfortably, and well-served,’ he said. Cucun stressed that the DPR RI has been collaborating with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah from the outset, from discussing Hajj service costs to enhancing various service components for pilgrims. ‘The DPR RI will continue to communicate and oversee to ensure better Hajj management in the future. We have formed a supervision team to ensure all decisions and agreements comply with national financial governance,’ he said. In its evaluation, the DPR RI Hajj Supervision Team found that previous service shortcomings were effectively mitigated during the 2026 Hajj season. Improvements were evident from departure procedures from Indonesia, services in Medina and Mecca, to the pilgrims’ journey to Arafah. ‘So far, we commend the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and all Hajj officers for their hard work. Many improvements have been made, and pilgrims are truly experiencing better services,’ Cucun said. He added that the DPR RI will continue monitoring and evaluating alongside the government until the entire Hajj pilgrimage concludes and pilgrims return to Indonesia. ‘Perfection belongs only to Allah SWT. Therefore, evaluations will continue to ensure future Hajj services improve,’ he concluded. Closing his sermon, Cucun urged all pilgrims to pray for the nation and Indonesia to be blessed with prosperity and trustworthy leadership. ‘May Allah SWT grant strength to the nation’s leaders, including President Prabowo Subianto and the entire government, as well as the DPR RI in fulfilling their legislative, budgetary, and oversight functions for Indonesia’s future prosperity,’ he added.