Accelerating Saudi Transformation
As 378 pilgrims from the first Hajj group from Probolinggo landed in Surabaya on 1 June 2026, their return highlighted persistent issues within the Indonesian Hajj management system. Despite the spiritual significance of the journey, many pilgrims returned with complaints regarding slow information dissemination to families, application failures during critical moments, and uncoordinated official responses.
Comparing the two nations, Saudi Arabia is currently operating with high-tech infrastructure, driven by digital maps and real-time updates, whereas Indonesia remains mired in debates over foundational improvements. Under its Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to host 30 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually by the end of the decade. To achieve this, Saudi Arabia has implemented artificial intelligence to monitor crowds in Mina and Arafah, deployed robots to assist elderly pilgrims in the Masjid al-Haram, and utilised the Haramain High-Speed Railway to connect Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. Furthermore, the Nusuk digital platform integrates registration, accommodation, transport, and pilgrimage schedules into a single interface.
This represents a civilisational revolution in service delivery, driven by the principle that serving the guests of Allah is a profound honour and responsibility. In contrast, Indonesia, the world’s largest sender of pilgrims, remains focused on debates regarding the Hajj Operational Costs (BPIH). While discussions on costs are vital for financial sustainability, there is an equally strategic need to focus on the digital transformation of Hajj administration.
Moving forward, Indonesia requires a clear, measurable, and sustainable digital roadmap that transcends political leadership cycles. Digitalisation must go beyond merely launching applications; it must integrate all services, including pilgrim data, medical records, departure status, and real-time service information in the Holy Land. Strengthening this digital ecosystem would provide immense benefits, particularly in emergencies, allowing families in Indonesia to receive accurate and timely updates regarding health crises or service changes. Private Hajj and Umrah operators have already demonstrated that technology—through pilgrim tracking, automated family notifications, and remote health consultations—can significantly enhance service quality, providing a valuable blueprint for the government to serve the much larger regular Hajj population.