DPR Hajj Oversight Team Receives Complaints of Malfunctioning Air Conditioning and Inadequate Water Supply in Mina

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The DPR RI Hajj Oversight Team (Timwas) has received multiple complaints from Indonesian pilgrims regarding facilities in Mina, Saudi Arabia. Complaints include malfunctioning air conditioning and insufficient water supply amid dense crowds during the peak Hajj rituals.

‘We have received various inputs regarding facilities in Mina. Issues include malfunctioning air conditioning, insufficient water supply, and other challenges arising from the high density of pilgrims in a very limited area,’ said Marwan Dasopang, Chairman of DPR RI’s Commission VIII and Timwas member, in a press release on Saturday (30 May 2026).

Millions of pilgrims from various countries gather in Mina for overnight stays and the stoning of the devil ritual. The PKB politician explained that the area’s limited capacity has restricted pilgrims’ movement, affecting their comfort during the rituals.

However, Marwan stressed that the Mina issues must not recur without long-term solutions. ‘We must start considering new formulas. If the Mina area cannot be expanded, options such as tiered tents or other schemes that allow more spacious and humane accommodation for pilgrims should be considered,’ he said.

Additionally, the DPR Hajj Oversight Team is pushing for optimising the tanazul scheme, which involves arranging some pilgrims to stay in designated hotels to reduce congestion in Mina. Marwan estimated around 60,000 of Indonesia’s 201,000 Hajj attendees could be accommodated in hotels under proper arrangements. ‘Of the approximately 201,000 Indonesian pilgrims, around 60,000 could be accommodated in hotels with appropriate arrangements in line with regulations. If implemented, this would significantly ease space constraints in Mina for those remaining in tents,’ he added.

‘The Mina issue must not be allowed to recur without solutions. We must boldly seek breakthroughs to enhance the comfort and safety of Indonesian pilgrims,’ Marwan stated.

Despite these issues, Marwan acknowledged that overall, this year’s Hajj arrangements have proceeded smoothly, with initial stages and peak rituals following the schedule. ‘Overall, the Hajj arrangements have been good. We should appreciate the efforts of all parties providing services to pilgrims. However, conditions in Mina remain the primary challenge,’ he concluded.