DPR Hajj Oversight Team Reports Pilgrims in Mina Went 9 Hours Without Food, Elderly Health Deteriorates

JAKARTA — KOMPAS.com — The DPR’s Hajj Oversight Team has identified several issues in the service provided to Indonesian pilgrims during their stay in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

One prominent finding is that some pilgrims went without food for nine hours, leading to reports of elderly health deterioration.

‘There were pilgrims who stayed in tents for nine hours without food. As a result, elderly pilgrims collapsed. This is certainly a concern for the DPR,’ said Selly Andriany Gantina, a member of the DPR Hajj Oversight Team, in an official statement on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

She added that logistics distribution and healthcare services were among the most serious issues identified in this year’s hajj management.

Besides delayed food distribution, Selly also uncovered various problems related to basic facilities for pilgrims.

‘I found several issues concerning tent facilities, particularly toilets. The tents were also uncomfortable, forcing pilgrims to crowd together,’ she explained.

Selly highlighted that sanitation is a serious concern, with insufficient clean water available at toilets.

For future evaluations, Selly urged the government to consider more realistic policies for high-risk pilgrims, such as implementing the tanazul scheme, which allows pilgrims to stay in Makkah hotels instead of overnighting in Mina.

‘If this is a problem, why not tanazul the pilgrims so they are not burdened. Don’t let them be overwhelmed, go without food, fall ill in tents, and lack proper healthcare,’ she said.

Marwan stated that while overall hajj management this year proceeded well, conditions in Mina remain a major challenge requiring long-term solutions. ‘This is not an easy task. Strong coordination, regulatory support, and intensive communication with the Saudi government are needed. However, Mina issues cannot be left unresolved. We must be bold in finding breakthroughs to improve the comfort and safety of Indonesian pilgrims,’ he said.

Indonesian pilgrims have completed the main rites and all peak rituals, including standing at Arafah, overnight stay, and stoning of the jamarat, from 9 to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah.