Don't Forget: Active JKN Is an Essential Preparation Before Departing for Hajj

BPJS Kesehatan reminds prospective hajj pilgrims to ensure their participation in the National Health Insurance (JKN) programme remains active before departure. This aligns with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Decree No. 31 of 2025, which urges pilgrims, including special Hajj pilgrims, to hold active health coverage. Rizzky Anugerah, Head of Public Relations at BPJS Kesehatan, said that pilgrims face health risks both approaching departure and after returning home. Being enrolled in the JKN programme and having an active status is important to ensure financing for health services if needed. They advised pilgrims not to delay registration or checking their membership status. Registration can be done via the PANDAWA service on WhatsApp at 0811-8-165-165 or through the Mobile JKN app. For participants whose membership is not active due to arrears, status can be reactivated by paying the contributions or by joining the REHAB programme (installment of contributions). BPJS Kesehatan also notes that inactive membership can potentially hinder administrative processing for departure. Checking JKN membership status is important to do well in advance. ‘There have been cases of pilgrims who became ill while returning from the Holy Land and had to pay hospital fees out of their own pockets because they were not JKN members or their JKN membership status was not active. It is hoped that with active JKN membership such incidents will not recur. Moreover, with JKN portability, pilgrims can access healthcare services while staying at the embarkation accommodation across Indonesia where they are placed,’ said Rizzky in a official statement on Friday, 22 May. Rizzky explained that the JKN programme coverage extends across Indonesia, at both private and government healthcare facilities that cooperate with BPJS Kesehatan, from Primary Health Care Facilities (puskesmas/klinik pratama/private practice doctors) to hospitals. Under JKN, pilgrims who are already participants can also conduct their own health history screening via the Mobile JKN app. He added that this health protection is not only for pilgrims but also for their families left behind. ‘In addition to protecting pilgrims, the JKN programme provides peace of mind because families at home still have access to healthcare services. So pilgrims can focus on their worship,’ he said. Furthermore, the JKN programme embodies the spirit of mutual cooperation; contributions paid by participants also help others who need health services. One of the requirements of Hajj is Istitha’ah, the ability. This means pilgrims must have the physical and financial means to undertake the pilgrimage. Given that Hajj is not a light or inexpensive rite, the Istitha’ah requirement is reasonable. ‘For those who are enabled to perform Hajj, inshaAllah they are also able to maintain active JKN membership. This is part of our collective effort and care,’ he added. The article then mentions local government efforts: ‘The City Government of Bontang ensures health services and JKN membership for residents remain secure even with the redistributive policy of PBI JKN participants from the East Kalimantan Province.’ Gus Ipul stated that the policy of updating PBI JKN participants aims to ensure the state’s subsidy reaches the targeted recipients. Rio explained that the abrupt deactivation of 11 million PBI JKN participants should not be repeated. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin revealed that among the wealthiest groups there are those registered as recipients of PBI JKN. On 26 May 2026, pilgrims will perform the wuquf at Arafat before moving to Muzdalifah and Mina in the afternoon to the night. Pilgrims are urged to avoid acts that could reduce reward during wuquf at Arafat. The Ministry of Hajj prepared the Armuzna Operational Task Force for the peak of Hajj 2026. Pilgrims are asked to follow the schedule from 25 May to prevent crowding in Arafah and Mina. While performing Tawaf at the House of Allah, pilgrims are urged not to force themselves to kiss the Black Stone. Bandung Regency’s Regent Dadang Supriatna released 141 pilgrims from Bandung Regency, West Java, at the Cenderawasih Building, Sulaiman Air Base, Monday morning (18 May).