Hajj 2026 Operations Officially Conclude, Minister Vows Service Improvements

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Moch. Irfan Yusuf officially closed the operational phase of the 1447 Hijriah/2026 Masehi Hajj pilgrimage after all Indonesian pilgrims returned to the homeland on Wednesday (1/7). The final flight group, UPG-43, landed at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar at 17.05 WITA carrying 242 pilgrims, marking the end of this year’s entire Indonesian Hajj operational series. “Alhamdulillah, all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have returned to the homeland safely. On behalf of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, I declare the operational phase of the 1447 Hijriah/2026 Masehi Hajj pilgrimage officially concluded,” said the Minister in Surabaya. Throughout the 2026 Hajj operations, the government dispatched 527 flight groups transporting 202,636 regular Hajj pilgrims from 16 embarkation points across Indonesia. Additionally, the Special Hajj Organisers (PIHK) dispatched 16,585 special Hajj pilgrims and 1,016 special Hajj officers. This year’s Hajj organisation was marked by significant challenges in serving pilgrims with diverse characteristics, including 44,247 elderly pilgrims, 170,700 high-risk pilgrims, 370 pilgrims with special needs, and 275 wheelchair users. All accommodation, catering, transportation, religious guidance, and health services were prepared to ensure every pilgrim could worship safely, comfortably, and solemnly. During the operations, the government distributed approximately 24.18 million meal boxes, operated 15,212 intercity Hajj buses and 11,990 shalawat bus trips, and provided layered health services through medical personnel in each flight group, satellite clinics, the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic, and cooperation with Saudi Arabian hospitals. In terms of governance, the Ministry also introduced several important innovations, including a more equitable provincial quota allocation, a reduction in Hajj costs without compromising service quality, the addition of fast-track embarkation points, service digitalisation, and the earlier finalisation of various service contracts in Saudi Arabia. Although operations have ended, the government has assured that services to pilgrims have not ceased. There are currently 60 pilgrims still undergoing treatment in Saudi Arabian hospitals. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will continue to provide assistance until all pilgrims are declared fit to fly and can be repatriated to Indonesia. Simultaneously, the insurance claim process for deceased pilgrims is ongoing in accordance with regulations. The Minister stressed that the end of Hajj operations is not the end of efforts to improve services. In the near future, the Ministry will conduct a comprehensive evaluation with all stakeholders to refine the organisation of the Hajj pilgrimage in the coming years. “We note there is still homework to be done, especially regarding services in Mina and strengthening the implementation of health istithaah. All these notes will be the focus of the evaluation so that future Hajj organisation becomes more professional, safe, comfortable, and oriented towards the needs of the pilgrims,” said Irfan. On the occasion, he also expressed appreciation to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the Indonesian House of Representatives, the Government of Saudi Arabia, ministries and agencies, local governments, airlines, mass media, and all stakeholders who supported the success of the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj pilgrimage. Thanks were also conveyed to all Hajj officers who dedicated themselves sincerely to providing the best service to the pilgrims, and to all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims who maintained order, patience, and a spirit of mutual assistance while performing the pilgrimage in the Holy Land. “May all pilgrims attain the status of a mabrur Hajj, become pious individuals both personally and socially, and bring benefit to their families, communities, nation, and state,” he said. The conclusion of the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj operational phase marks the beginning of preparations for the 1448 H/2027 M Hajj pilgrimage. With a spirit of continuous improvement, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is committed to delivering Hajj services that are increasingly professional, adaptive, and centred on the needs of the pilgrims.