DPR's Hajj Oversight Team Finds 2026 Hajj Officials More Friendly and Responsive

Jakarta — A member of the Hajj Oversight Team (Timwas Haji) of the Indonesian DPR RI, Nurdin Halid, has assessed that Hajj officers’ performance during the 2026 Hajj operation was more friendly and responsive than in previous years. He said the change has been evident from the pilgrims’ departure process at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to their arrival in Saudi Arabia. ‘What is encouraging is that officers’ approach is now closer, friendlier, more attentive and respectful. Officers are not merely carrying out their duties, but serving with heart, especially towards female pilgrims and the elderly,’ he said in a written statement on Thursday, 21 May 2026. ‘From my observations, from the departure at Soekarno-Hatta Airport to the arrival in Jeddah, everything ran smoothly and well without significant obstacles as in previous years,’ he added. Nurdin said the government has truly implemented affirmative policies in the form of prioritising medical services, as well as more extensive accompaniment for elderly pilgrims. ‘The government has also implemented important, affirmative policies which prioritise special protection for vulnerable groups, namely women and elderly pilgrims. This includes quotas and priority for medical services, as well as more extensive accompaniment,’ the Golkar politician said. In addition to staff services, Nurdin also highlighted the Mecca Route or fast-track immigration service that facilitates Indonesian pilgrims’ journey. Under this scheme, he said, Saudi immigration checks are conducted at the departure airport in Indonesia, so pilgrims no longer need to queue long upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. ‘Besides speeding up the service, this fast-track system also helps reduce congestion at the arrival airport, making pilgrims’ mobility smoother,’ he added. He hopes improvements in Hajj services, from enhanced pilgrim assistance to standards of administrative service, transport, accommodation and catering, can be expanded further in the next Hajj season. ‘So the aim is not only to run Hajj operations, but to ensure pilgrims feel safe, comfortable and honoured during worship,’ concluded Nurdin. For reference, the performance of Hajj officers was one of the notes in the Timwas Haji DPR 2025 report presented at a plenary session of the Indonesian DPR at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Thursday, 24 July 2025.