Gus Irfan Explains Why Indonesia Failed to Secure 2026 Hajj Award from Saudi Arabia

The Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mohamad Irfan Yusuf, also known as Gus Irfan, has revealed the reasons why Indonesia was not included in the list of recipients for the Labaytum Award 2026, an honour bestowed by the Saudi Arabian government upon nations providing the best Hajj services. According to Gus Irfan, several factors are considered in the award’s assessment, with pilgrim health being one of the primary indicators. “Regarding the Labaytum award, we did not receive it because there are many factors to be assessed, including and especially health. Health is one of the evaluation criteria, so we understand why they did not grant us the award,” stated Gus Irfan, alongside the Amirul Hajj team, upon their arrival at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, on Monday (8/6/2026). Nevertheless, he emphasised that Indonesia still received direct appreciation from the Saudi Arabian authorities for this year’s Hajj operations. This appreciation was personally extended by high-ranking officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Gus Irfan disclosed that upon arriving in Saudi Arabia on 19 May 2026, he was immediately invited by the Saudi Minister of Hajj to his office. On the same day, the Indonesian delegation was also invited by the Saudi Minister of Interior. “But officially, directly, and personally, they provided recognition. We arrived on the night of 19 May, and by the morning, we were invited by the Saudi Minister of Hajj to his office. In the afternoon, we were invited by the Minister of Interior; this is quite a high level of hierarchy,” said Gus Irfan.