Deputy minister pushes for historic success in 2026 Hajj service

“We need to make sure the 2026 Hajj season marks a new milestone in Indonesia’s Hajj record, and it is you who will be part of history,” he told Hajj officers during a roll call and send-off ceremony at Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory in Jakarta on Friday.

He called on Hajj officers to remain cohesive as a unit and adhere to leadership directives, applying the key lessons learned during a full month of training and preparations.

“Reflecting on all the training you have undergone, you need to ensure you are united under one command from your leaders. Ladies and gentlemen, you will set out to make new history,” Simanjuntak affirmed.

He highlighted that the 2026 Hajj season would be the first managed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as a standalone institution, marking a departure from tradition in which pilgrimage affairs were overseen by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

This year, he continued, Indonesia has been allotted a Hajj quota of 221,000, consisting of 203,320 pilgrims under the regular scheme and 17,680 under special arrangements.

He added that Indonesian pilgrims come from diverse backgrounds with varied physical conditions, urging officers to pay special attention to the elderly and the vulnerable.

In this regard, he urged all personnel to ensure they are mentally and physically prepared to provide the finest services to pilgrims from departure to return.

“Today, you will depart for duty, carrying a mandate from the state, God, and pilgrims. You will spearhead the success of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage,” the deputy minister stated.

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Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra