Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Hajj Supervisory Team Receives Information About Overcrowded Rooms in Medina

| | Source: KOMPAS Translated from Indonesian | Social Policy
Hajj Supervisory Team Receives Information About Overcrowded Rooms in Medina
Image: KOMPAS

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Hajj Supervisory Team from the Indonesian Parliament will conduct an on-site inspection of the conditions in hajj hotels in Medina, following reports of overcrowding.

In a press statement on Friday (15 May 2026), Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR, who is also a member of the Hajj Supervisory Team, Abdul Wachid, stated that the team had received reports that some rooms, which are supposed to accommodate only four pilgrims, are now occupied by up to eight or even twelve pilgrims.

“This is inhumane. While extra beds can be added, there is only one bathroom. Pilgrims end up having to compete for it,” said Abdul Wachid.

The DPR has also found indications that some hotels are located up to 13 kilometers away.

“This is something we need to check directly. We must ensure that pilgrims are not disadvantaged,” he said.

The DPR will also monitor the catering services provided to Indonesian pilgrims.

The Supervisory Team stated that they had received reports that the progress of tent construction had only reached around 48 percent. Meanwhile, the government, through the Ministry of Hajj, claims that the progress has reached 75 percent.

“This is something we need to check directly. We must ensure that when pilgrims move to Arafah, the tents are ready,” said Abdul.

“The supervision of the sacrificial animals is also a concern for Commission VIII of the DPR, to ensure that it is carried out 100 percent,” Abdul Wachid added.

Abdul said that the team will conduct a comprehensive inspection, starting from the accommodation, catering, facilities in Armuzna, to alleged illegal levies on elderly pilgrims.

Abdul Wachid said that the Supervisory Team will depart starting tomorrow, Saturday (16 May 2026).

“Tomorrow, on the 16th (of May), we will depart. Some will depart on the 17th, 18th, 20th, and 21st. I, along with other leaders of Commission VIII of the DPR, will head to Medina to conduct an inspection of the accommodation,” said Abdul.

The Hajj Supervisory Team of the DPR for 2026 consists of 96 people, comprising 55 members of the DPR and 41 support staff.

The DPR emphasized that this year’s hajj supervision should not be merely a formality, but must ensure that all the rights of pilgrims are fully met in accordance with the decisions of the Working Group and the working meetings between the DPR and the government.

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