Deputy Hajj Minister Explains "War Ticket" Hajj Concept, Not Yet Official Policy
TANGERANG - Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has explained the public discussion surrounding the “war ticket” concept for Hajj organisation.
Dahnil stated that the scheme, still at the discussion stage, would be applied if there is a substantial increase in quota from Saudi Arabia.
“For example, a large quota increase. By 2030, Saudi Arabia might accommodate more than 5 million pilgrims. That means quotas will certainly be raised too,” Dahnil said when met at the Tangerang Hajj Dormitory on Friday (10/4/2026).
Dahnil added that if Saudi Arabia accommodates 5 million pilgrims, Indonesia’s Hajj quota could rise to 500,000 from the current 221,000.
Dahnil noted that even with the current number of regular Hajj pilgrims, state-subsidised Hajj organisation funds could reach Rp18.2 trillion.
“If it rises to 500,000 pilgrims, it could exceed Rp40 trillion. Hajj finances might not be able to cover it, and it won’t reduce the waiting list either,” he said.
If the scheme is implemented, the Deputy Minister emphasised that the government would still provide opportunities for pilgrims who have waited decades in line.
Because the “war ticket” would be applied outside the established regular quota, or as an additional quota.
Previously, Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, highlighted the current long Hajj waiting lists.
The government is beginning to review the existing system to find a more effective solution.
Before Hajj fund management was centralised as it is now, long waiting lists for departure were not a major issue.
He assessed that before the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH), the departure system did not experience long queues.
The Minister also mentioned the possibility of implementing a system similar to the “war ticket” mechanism.
“Something like a war ticket,” he said.
This idea has emerged as one alternative to regulate Hajj departures without long queues.