Hajj 2026 Operations Officially Conclude, Minister Vows Service Improvements
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Moch. Irfan Yusuf, officially closed the Hajj organising operations for 1447 Hijri/2026 Masehi after all Indonesian pilgrims returned to the homeland on Wednesday (1/7).
The final flight, UPG-43, landed at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar at 17:05 WITA carrying 242 pilgrims. The arrival of this group marks the end of the entire Indonesian Hajj operational series for this year.
“Alhamdulillah, all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have returned to the homeland safely. On behalf of the Ministry of H/and Umrah, I declare that the Hajj organising operations for 1447 Hijri/2026 Masehi have officially concluded,” stated Menhaj in Surabaya.
Throughout the 2026 Hajj operations, the government deployed 527 flight groups (kloter) transporting 202,636 regular pilgrims from 16 embarkation points across Indonesia. Additionally, Special Hajj Organisers (PIHK) deployed 16,585 special Hajj pilgrims and 1,016 special Hajj officers.
This year’s Hajj operations faced significant challenges in serving a diverse group of pilgrims, including 44,247 elderly pilgrims, 170,700 high-risk pilgrims, 370 pilgrims with special needs, and 275 wheelchair users. All services, including accommodation, catering, transport, religious guidance, and healthcare, were prepared to ensure every pilgrim could worship safely, comfortably, and with focus.
During the operations, the government distributed approximately 24.18 million food boxes, operated 15,212 inter-city Hajj buses and 11,990 shuttle bus trips, and provided multi-layered healthcare services through medical personnel in every flight group, satellite clinics, the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic, and partnerships with Saudi Arabian hospitals.
In terms of governance, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced several important innovations, including the implementation of a more equitable provincial quota allocation, a reduction in Hajj costs without compromising service quality, the addition of fast-track embarkations, service digitalisation, and the early settlement of various service contracts in Saudi Arabia.
Although operations have ended, the government ensures that services to pilgrims have not ceased. Currently, 60 pilgrims are 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 returned to Indonesia. Simultaneously, the insurance claim process for deceased pilgrims is being processed in accordance with regulations.
Menhaj emphasised that the end of Hajj operations is not the end of efforts to improve services. In the near future, the Ministry will conduct a thorough evaluation with all stakeholders to perfect Hajj organising in the coming years.
“We note that there is still homework to be done, particularly regarding services in Mina and strengthening the implementation of health readiness (istithaah). All these notes will be the focus of our evaluation so that future Hajj organising becomes more professional, safe, comfortable, and oriented towards the needs of the pilgrims,” said Irton.
On this occasion, he also expressed his appreciation to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the House of Representatives (DPR RI), the Government of Saudi Arabia, various ministries and agencies, local governments, airlines, the mass media, and all stakeholders who supported the success of the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj operations.
Gratitude was also extended to all Hajj officers who dedicated themselves sincerely to providing the best service to pilgrims, as well as to all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims who maintained order, patience, and a spirit of mutual assistance during their worship in the Holy Land.
“May all pilgrims achieve the status of a mabrur hajj, become pious individuals both individually and socially, and bring benefits to their families, society, nation, and state,” he said.
The conclusion of the 1447 H/2026 M Hajj operations marks the beginning of preparations for the 1448 H/2027 M Hajj. With a spirit of continuous improvement, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is committed to providing Hajj services that are increasingly professional, adaptive, and centred on the needs of the pilgrims.