DPR's Hajj Timwas Reveals Overcapacity Findings in Pilgrims' Rooms

The DPR RI Hajj Supervisory Team (Timwas Haji) for 2026 highlighted the potential overcrowding of pilgrims’ rooms during a field visit to Hotel 502 Safwat Alshuruq, on Sector 5 Raudhah Street in Makkah, on Friday 22 May. Member of the Hajj Timwas, Sri Wulan, said the hotel with a capacity of around 6,700 pilgrims is one of the focal points for monitoring the accommodation services for Indonesian pilgrims in Makkah. During the field visit, Timwas found indications of rooms being occupied by five pilgrims, whereas the initial agreement between Timwas Haji and the government specified four people per room. This condition warranted prompt evaluation to prevent it from spreading to other rooms. “We observed a room occupied by five people, while the initial agreement was four. This is a clear concern to ensure that the service to pilgrims remains in accordance with the standards,” said a NasDem faction politician. She argued that overcrowding of rooms is not only related to accommodation facilities but also affects pilgrims’ physical condition, who require adequate rest amid hot weather and the crowded sequence of Hajj rites. She noted that the comfort of the accommodation is an important factor, especially approaching the peak phase of Hajj when pilgrims’ activities increase and the need for physical recovery becomes greater. Although precise data on the number of rooms operating over capacity has not yet been obtained, the DPR’s Timwas urged haj organisers to immediately conduct verification and supervision to ensure service standards remain maintained. Sri Wulan emphasised that on-site monitoring of pilgrims’ hotels would continue, to ensure the quality of service received by pilgrims is not only in line with administrative reports but genuinely felt on the ground. “This oversight is important so that the services provided to pilgrims remain in line with the commitments and standards already agreed,” she said.