DPR's Commission VIII Says Prospective Hajj Pilgrims for 2026 Anxious Over Undelivered Luggage
Deputy Chairman of the DPR RI Commission VIII, Abdul Wachid, stated that some prospective Hajj pilgrims are still anxious because their suitcases have not yet been delivered ahead of the first batch’s departure on 21 April 2026. Commission VIII of the DPR has requested that the airlines distribute the pilgrims’ suitcases immediately.
This was conveyed by Abdul Wachid during a working meeting with the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenhaj) RI at the DPR building in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/4/2026). Abdul Wachid said that prospective pilgrims are anxious about whether they will depart for this year’s Hajj or not.
“Lately, Mr Minister, the public or pilgrims are already anxious about departing or not. That’s because their suitcases haven’t arrived yet. So this adds to the pilgrims’ anxiety,” said Abdul Wachid during the meeting.
He requested clarity regarding the suitcases from Kemenhaj. Abdul Wachid said he is open to the possibility of summoning the suitcase distributor airline if it has not completed its task.
“I checked Central Java; they were just sent from Brebes, Tegal, Pemalang, Pekalongan. Those to the east and south haven’t yet. So, we ask who the vendor is. If necessary, we summon the vendor. Because this is causing anxiety,” he said.
On the same occasion, Religious Affairs Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf (Gus Irfan) stated that the progress of suitcase distribution for Saudia Airlines is at 58%. He said the suitcase distribution remains stable.
“Suitcase distribution, equipment, and Hajj dormitory readiness. For suitcase distribution, the overall progress is relatively stable with a completion rate of around 58% of the total needs for Saudia Airlines,” said Gus Irfan.
Nevertheless, he mentioned there are still obstacles in the distribution of Garuda Indonesia suitcases. He said that out of 20,617 suitcases sent, only 1,653 have been received by the regional offices (kanwil).
“And this is focused on the early departure batches. However, there is a significant obstacle, especially in shipments by Garuda Indonesia, where out of 20,617 suitcases sent by the airline, only 1,653 suitcases have been confirmed received by the kanwil. This is indeed a very low number,” said Gus Irfan.
He stated that Garuda Indonesia has promised to accelerate the suitcase distribution. They claim to complete the suitcase shipment by a maximum of 16 April 2026.
“Therefore, yesterday we asked Garuda to immediately ensure that the suitcases can be received in a short time. They promised a maximum of the 16th. Maximum. Of course, efforts will be made so that they can be received by prospective pilgrims before that,” he added.