Cucun Ahmad: Hajj 2026 Organisation Sees a Transformative Leap

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, has assessed that the organisation of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has undergone a fairly significant transformational leap. Compared to previous years, this year’s implementation is deemed far better, although several crucial notes still require evaluation. “We must honestly state that this year’s Hajj implementation has made a transformational leap,” said Cucun, quoted on Friday (5/6). Despite appreciating this achievement, Cucun did not deny the existence of unexpected obstacles on the ground. One of these concerns the accommodation capacity in Mina, which has not been fully met, alongside several other constraints that arose during the peak crucial phase of the pilgrimage. “The indicators of a successful Hajj are Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina; we still have notes on these,” he stressed. Cucun added that all findings and notes from the DPR RI Hajj Supervisory Team (Timwas) will be comprehensively revealed in an evaluation meeting with relevant policymakers. The results of this evaluation will also be reported in a DPR RI Plenary Session. On a separate occasion, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf expressed appreciation for all Indonesian pilgrims, who were considered cooperative and orderly in following the officers’ directions during the Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) phase. The peak phase of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina ended on 13 Zulhijjah 1447 H. All Indonesian pilgrims who opted for nafar tsani were reported to have left the tents in Mina and returned to their respective hotels in Makkah in a safe, orderly, and smooth manner. The government of Saudi Arabia is considering implementing a tanazul scheme of up to 50% for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. The number of pilgrims falling ill after the peak Hajj period in Armuzna during the 2026 season saw a significant decrease compared to the same period last year. Out of an initial total quota of 1,294 pilgrims, four failed to depart due to health (istitha’ah) constraints.