Hajj Pilgrims from Papua: 85 Percent of Bugis-Makassar Descent

A total of 933 Hajj pilgrims from Papua, grouped under the Makassar embarkation, are dominated by residents of Bugis-Makassar descent from South Sulawesi (Sulsel). According to data from the Papua Regional Office of Hajj and Umrah, of the total Hajj pilgrims from Papua this year, approximately 80 to 85 percent are descendants of ethnic groups from Sulsel. The Head of the Papua Hajj and Umrah Regional Office, Musa Narwawan, stated that this occurs because they have long been settled in Papua. “In particular, Bugis and Makassar people who have long inhabited Papua, especially in Jayapura City and its surroundings. If you look at it now, it’s around 80 to 85 percent,” said Musa at the Sudiang Hajj Dormitory in Makassar on Sunday (10/5). Additionally, said Musa, there are also genuine Papua Hajj pilgrims who originate from Java and Southeast Sulawesi. Meanwhile, regarding the quota for Hajj pilgrims from Papua, it is divided among four provinces: Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and South Papua. Musa said the quota this year has decreased compared to last year, which was 1,076 pilgrims. “Previously, our quota was 1,076 pilgrims, now it has become 933. This reduction is due to changes in the quota allocation scheme,” he explained. Musa explained that the quota distribution system is based on the number of Muslim residents in an area. However, after the introduction of this new regulation, the quota distribution has used a waiting list system. “With this new formula, Papua’s quota has decreased by more than 100 pilgrims, leaving 933 for Greater Papua,” he revealed. As for the Hajj waiting period in Papua, said Musa, it averages 26 years, with the number of waiting list registrants as of 31 December reaching 26,000. “Previously, the waiting time was around 27 to 28 years, now it has decreased to 26 years,” he said. The Hajj pilgrims from Papua this year will be departed through the Makassar embarkation, divided into two full batches and one combined batch. “Two full batches are from Papua, while batch 31 is combined with the province of South Sulawesi,” said Musa.