DPR Oversight Committee Urges Optimised Services for Second Wave of Hajj Pilgrims in Madinah

The Hajj Oversight Committee (Timwas) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has requested that the government maximise services for the second wave of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims arriving to perform their rituals in Madinah. This request comes in consideration of the physical and psychological condition of pilgrims who have just completed the peak stages of the Hajj pilgrimage at Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna).

Muhammad Abdul Aziz, a member of the DPR RI Hajj Oversight Committee, noted that the needs of the second wave of pilgrims differ from the first wave due to higher levels of fatigue following the completion of various stages of worship in Mecca. “The physical and psychological states of the second wave of pilgrims differ from the first. I hope the government, through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, ensures that services are maximised, especially for the Arbain pilgrimage and facilitating access to the Raudah. This has been their dream after years of waiting,” said Abdul Aziz on Tuesday.

In addition to worship services, the Oversight Committee is also focusing on the smooth movement of pilgrims from Mecca to Madinah. With movements involving approximately 99,000 people—nearly half of the total Indonesian Hajj delegation—meticulous scheduling is required to ensure smooth mobilisation. According to Abdul Aziz, measured time simulations and movement schemes are essential to avoid pilgrim congestion or service delays. He also highlighted hotel readiness, which often poses a challenge during the transition of guests from various countries.

“We must ensure that pilgrims moved from Mecca to Madinah do not have to wait for hours in lobbies because their rooms are still occupied by pilgrims from other countries. Coordination between the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, the syarikah (service providers), and hotels must be orderly. Delays in this process will hinder subsequent sequences, including catering, accommodation, and the performance of the Arbain pilgrimage,” he asserted.

In its evaluation, the DPR RI Oversight Committee appreciated the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s steps in placing Indonesian pilgrims in five-star hotels located near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and Al-Masjid al-Haram, noting that this policy enhances pilgrim comfort. However, Abdul Aziz noted that certain adjustments are necessary, particularly regarding hotel regulations that differ from Indonesian customs. “There is an issue where pilgrims are not permitted to eat in their rooms or on the terraces of five-star hotels. This requires intensive communication with the hotels regarding our pilgrims’ consumption habits to prevent issues on the ground,” he added.

Furthermore, Abdul Aziz reminded the government of the importance of being prepared for changes in policies implemented by the Saudi Arabian government annually. He emphasised that intensive communication is necessary so that every system update can be anticipated early. He cited the improved distribution of the Nusuk smart cards, which previously faced delays when distributed upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, as an example of a successful improvement, as distribution this year began in Indonesia, leading to smoother implementation.