DPR Haji Oversight Team Urges Immediate Resolution of Mina Facilities Issues

Space and facility limitations in Mina, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, have once again come under scrutiny during the 2026 Hajj preparations. DPR Commission VIII Chair and Haji Oversight Team member Marwan Dasopang said the issue requires long-term solutions to prevent recurrence each Hajj season. Marwan assessed that overall, this year’s Hajj management was smooth. The initial stages up to the peak of rituals proceeded as scheduled. We should appreciate all parties who have worked hard to serve the pilgrims. However, conditions in Mina remain the main challenge,” Marwan said in a press release published on Parlementaria’s website in Mina, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, 29 May 2026. The PKB faction politician explained that congestion in Mina is unavoidable as millions of pilgrims from different countries congregate simultaneously for overnight stays and stoning the pillars. This has restricted pilgrims’ movement. Besides affecting comfort, the congestion has also placed additional strain on basic facilities in the area. Marwan stated that the DPR’s Haji Oversight Team received reports from pilgrims about suboptimal facilities. Complaints included air conditioning not functioning properly and insufficient water supply at certain points. “We have received various inputs regarding Mina’s facilities. Issues include air conditioning not working optimally, inadequate water supply, and other challenges arising from high pilgrim density in a confined area,” Marwan explained. Marwan assessed that the government must begin preparing new approaches to address capacity constraints in Mina. He said that if area expansion is no longer feasible due to land constraints, the government should consider more progressive options, such as multi-level tents. “We must start thinking of new formulas. If Mina’s area cannot be expanded, options like multi-level tents or other schemes that allow more spacious and humane accommodation for pilgrims should be considered,” Marwan said. In addition to physical infrastructure, the DPR’s Haji Oversight Team is pushing for optimising the tanazul scheme. Under this scheme, some pilgrims would not stay in Mina tents and could return to designated hotels with special arrangements. Marwan estimated that around 60,000 of Indonesia’s 201,000 pilgrims could participate in the scheme. He noted that the hotels for some pilgrims are still viable for mobilisation to ritual sites. “Of Indonesia’s approximately 201,000 pilgrims, around 60,000 could be accommodated in hotels with proper arrangements while complying with regulations. If implemented, this would significantly ease space in Mina for those remaining in tents,” he explained. However, Marwan stressed that implementing the tanazul scheme or new facilities requires thorough study. The government must also prepare robust organisation and intensive communication with the Saudi government. Therefore, he hopes the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s establishment will strengthen negotiations and coordination to find permanent solutions for Mina’s issues. “This is not an easy task. Strong coordination, regulatory support, and intensive communication with the Saudi government are needed. However, Mina’s issues cannot be left unresolved. We must boldly seek breakthroughs to enhance Indonesian pilgrims’ comfort and safety,” Marwan said.