First Hajj Batch of Indonesian Pilgrims to Enter Hajj Dormitory on 21 April 2026

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj), Irfan Yusuf or Gus Irfan, stated that the first batch of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims is scheduled to enter the Hajj dormitory on 21 April 2026 and will begin departing for the Holy Land the day after.

“We expect that on 21 April, the first batch of Hajj pilgrims will enter the Hajj dormitory, and on 22 April, they will depart for the Holy Land,” added Gus Irfan at the Kompas Tower in Jakarta on Tuesday (31/3/2026).

Gus Irfan emphasised that, amid the current global situation, the safety and security of the pilgrims is the utmost consideration in policy-making.

“As per the President’s directive, the safety and security of Hajj pilgrims is the top priority. Therefore, we are mitigating various potential risks that may occur,” he said.

He claimed that all preparations are in place, just awaiting the departure time.

Indonesian Hajj flights are generally conducted directly (direct flight), for both regular and special pilgrims.

However, due to the conflict in the Middle East, there may be changes to the routes, potentially increasing flight costs.

“There is indeed a potential for additional costs. For example, aviation fuel prices have risen today, even though we contracted with airlines several months ago,” he explained.

“This automatically requires additional costs. But, God willing, we will strive hard not to pass on the costs to the pilgrims. We will seek other possible sources that we can utilise later,” he said.

The Menhaj stated that the government continues to maintain intensive coordination with Saudi authorities to ensure all processes run safely.

“Today, the Deputy Minister of Hajj is also in Saudi Arabia to ensure all preparations are in order. Praise be to God, everything is proceeding well,” said Gus Irfan.