Hajj Ministry Gathers Notes for 2026 Pilgrimage Evaluation, Tightens Health Rules
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has stated that it has gathered several notes to serve as material for the evaluation of the 2026 Hajj implementation, specifically regarding pilgrim mobilisation in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) and health ‘istitha’ah’ (capability) policies.
“There are certainly many evaluations. This is the first year the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has directly managed the Hajj organisation, and there are several important notes, particularly regarding movement in Armuzna and secondly regarding health capability,” said the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, in Malang, East Java, on Friday (12/06/2026).
Dahnil stated that the assignment patterns for officers during pilgrim movement in Armuzna will be improved to allow for more intensive service to pilgrims.
Furthermore, he admitted that the health capability policy remains a critical note because the mortality rate of pilgrims, particularly from East Java, remains high, even though it has decreased compared to last year. Dahnil reported that the number of Hajj pilgrims from East Java who passed away in 2025 reached 104, whereas in 2026, the death toll was 65.
Consequently, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will tighten the enforcement of health requirements for every individual intending to perform the pilgrimage during the 2027 season. “Next year, we will be more selective; for example, those with indications of dementia will be excluded from departing, and we will ensure that those with kidney disease, tuberculosis (TB), and similar conditions cannot go,” he said.
Additionally, the relevant ministry is currently drafting the Hajj Pilgrimage Cost (BPIH) for 2027 and is striving to prevent any significant increases resulting from the weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar. “We are certainly trying to find a financing structure that is fair for the pilgrims and fair for the Hajj finances,” he added.
Dahnil’s visit to Malang was intended to provide support to Muhaimin, a Hajj officer whose wife recently passed away. During the visit, Dahnil expressed that the Ministry’s presence at the funeral home was to provide moral support to the deceased’s family. Dahnil added that Hajj officers have truly become part of the extended Kemenhaj family. Muhaimin is currently still performing his duties as a Hajj officer in Saudi Arabia. “He, known as Cak Imin, is fulfilling his responsibilities until the end in the Holy Land,” he said.