Deputy Minister Notes Highest Hajj Pilgrim Mortality in East Java

Wakil Menteri Haji dan Umrah (Wamenhaj) Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak has revealed that East Java recorded the highest number of hajj pilgrim deaths in Indonesia during the 2026 season. He stated that 65 pilgrims from East Java died, making it one of the highest mortality rates compared to other provinces. “East Java is one of the areas with a high mortality rate, a high pilgrim death rate. Today it is 65 people. Although there is a significant decrease compared to last year,” Dahnil said at the Sukolilo Hajj Dormitory in Surabaya on Friday (12/6). He noted that the figure actually shows a significant decline from the previous year, which saw more than 100 deaths. “Last year it was over 100, but this year it is 65 people, yet it is still relatively the highest contributor in Indonesia at 65 people,” he continued. He explained that the majority of pilgrims who died had a history of comorbidities, ranging from respiratory disorders to heart conditions. “The majority had pneumonia, respiratory issues, blindness, heart problems because they had internal comorbidities. That requires serious attention,” he said. Dahnil assessed that age cannot be used as a benchmark for the cause of death or to determine a person’s health eligibility for the pilgrimage. “Age is debatable because it is not a measure. You can see a 70-year-old farmer who is healthy and fit, while some of you at 40 or 50 years old may already seem like you are 70. That happens a lot,” he remarked. In response to the high mortality rate, Dahnil affirmed that his party will tighten the implementation of health eligibility (istithaah) requirements for prospective pilgrims in the future. According to him, domestic health examinations, particularly regarding comorbidities, will be a primary focus before departure. “The note for East Java going forward is that we must tighten the health istithaah,” he said. “What must be encouraged is domestic examinations. Domestic examinations will be stricter, especially regarding comorbidities. Comorbidities such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and so on,” he added. Besides tightening health checks, Dahnil stated that his party is also committed to continuously improving the quality of services for Indonesian pilgrims in the Holy Land. “What is no less important is how we can continue to improve services. So our homework is certainly to keep improving services,” he said.