DIY Regional Government Proposes E-Passports for All Hajj Pilgrims

The Regional Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has proposed the use of e-passports for all hajj pilgrims from the province’s regencies and city. “Going forward, I hope for more innovations in hajj services in DIY, for example, if possible, all DIY hajj pilgrims could uniformly use e-passports,” said DIY Vice Governor KGPAA Paku Alam X in Yogyakarta on Thursday. “Therefore, I ask for help in creating a methodology aimed at facilitating the implementation. I think this can be done even though there is no instruction from the centre,” he said. The Vice Governor noted that with faster service, pilgrims would certainly feel more comfortable and could also save time. “DIY could actually be the pioneer, for the convenience of officers and the comfort of pilgrims,” said Sri Paduka. The DIY Regional Government also proposed that hajj pilgrims be equipped with introductory materials on digital technology during pre-departure activities. These materials include information on what must be done and observed, such as the QRIS bracelet and ID necklace which must not be removed. Acting Head of the DIY Ministry of Religious Affairs Regional Office, Silvia Rosetti, stated that the hajj operation for the Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) embarkation is currently in the process of pilgrims returning home. According to her, the return of 26 flight groups of hajj pilgrims from DIY via the YIA embarkation began on 1 June and will conclude on 30 June 2026. “To date, 19 flight groups of DIY hajj pilgrims have returned, totalling 6,811 pilgrims. Alhamdulillah, all return processes have run smoothly. We hope the Vice Governor can join in welcoming the return of the final flight group of pilgrims later,” she said.