Hajj Officials Urged Not to Smoke or Make Vulgar Jokes in Front of Pilgrims

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj), Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has warned Hajj officials of the strict prohibition on smoking in front of pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj operational period. “Adjust to the situation there, the rules there, and especially adjust to the pilgrims. Do not smoke in front of the pilgrims. Find a permitted place and far from the pilgrims,” said Irfan, when met at the Pondok Gede Hajj Hostel in East Jakarta on Thursday (23/4/2026). In addition to the smoking habit that needs to be adjusted, Irfan reminded officials not to throw vulgar jokes in front of Hajj pilgrims. “The habit of joking might be common among fellow officials, joking around very vulgarly, limit it, avoid it while in front of the pilgrims,” he said. “Maintain integrity in every implementation of duties. Do not abuse authority, do not seek personal gain, do not take shortcuts that violate the rules,” he added. Although these rules are not written down, Irfan asked the Hajj Worship Organiser Officials (PPIH) to guard their speech and actions in every implementation of duties. “There are many rules that are indeed unwritten but in general, you all certainly already understand what must be done and what must not be done,” he said. The Menhaj, affectionately called Gus Irfan, emphasised that every action of the officials will reflect Indonesia’s image in the eyes of the world. “Whatever you do, if positive, it will give positive value to the country and the nation; if negative, it will give a negative image to the nation and the country,” he said.