Hidayat Strengthens Hajj Oversight by Gathering Pilgrim and Staff Feedback in Mecca
Hidayat visited Hajj pilgrims directly, including those from Jakarta Group 2 in Sector 7, Misfalah, Mecca. There, Hidayat met and engaged in dialogue with hundreds of prospective pilgrims and their group leaders.
Hidayat also listened to inputs and suggestions from ulamas who are also Hajj pilgrims from Group 02, such as the Chairman of the Forum of Ulamas and Habibs (FUHAB), KH Lutfi Zawawi, and the Chairman of the South Jakarta Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI Jaksel), KH A Nawawi Halim.
During the visit, besides gathering feedback and issues to relay to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), Hidayat also provided guidance to help pilgrims maximise their stay in Mecca for worship, preparing physically, gaining Hajj knowledge, and building mental resilience ahead of the critical Hajj phase at Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna).
Hidayat also prayed for all pilgrims to receive ease and good health, attain a maqbul and mabrur Hajj, and offered prayers for Indonesia, Gaza, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Palestine.
“Alhamdulillah, I could maintain ties with prospective Hajj pilgrims and ulamas/leaders guiding pilgrims from South Jakarta. May all pilgrims be granted health and ease as they approach the critical Hajj phase at Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna),” Hidayat stated in a press release on Monday (25/5/2026).
“Having waited over a decade and now being blessed to be in Mecca, it is crucial to maximise this opportunity to receive a maqbul Hajj, accepted Sa’i, and answered prayers from Allah SWT, with these blessings continuing after returning to Indonesia,” he added.
In addition to maintaining ties and oversight visits, Hidayat, along with the General Secretary of MUI Jaksel, KH Dr Yasdar, as a Hajj service officer, visited Group 27 from South Jakarta, residing in Misfalah, Mecca, to meet the family of the late Hajj pilgrim M Firdaus Ahlan from Group 27, offering condolences and financial assistance.
Firdaus had previously attracted public attention after being reported missing for several days in Mecca and found seven days later in the Kuday hills, deceased.
“We pray for the deceased to attain husnul khatimah, have all sins forgiven, have his Hajj deeds and intentions accepted, and be placed in the best position with Allah SWT,” Hidayat said.
During the visit to Group 27 from South Jakarta, Hidayat met with the group leader, health officer, Hajj officers, and the prominent female preacher in South Jakarta, Ustazah Bahijah, who serves as a pilgrim guidance officer.
They provided inputs for improving the 2026 Hajj arrangements, including accommodation issues such as lifts, washing machines, toilets, and ablution areas.
These notes were immediately relayed to hotel management officials encountered after meeting with leaders, Hajj officers, and prospective pilgrims.
During the oversight visit to Group 27 South Jakarta, Hidayat also met some pilgrims from Group 25 originating from Central Jakarta (Jakpus).
To all parties met in Mecca, Hidayat assured that Hajj pilgrims receive the best service as agreed in the joint meeting between Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives and Kemenag, covering accommodation, transportation, and catering services.
Besides meeting and checking pilgrim conditions, Hidayat also met with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Service Officers (PPIH) to listen to feedback and suggestions for improving Hajj management, both current issues and future improvements.
Hidayat also offered support and motivation to PPIH ahead of the 2026 Hajj peak phase.
According to Hidayat, the PPIH’s tasks during the Armuzna phase will be demanding, requiring physical and mental readiness to provide the best service to Indonesian Hajj pilgrims amidst millions of pilgrims from various countries in a relatively confined area.
“I appreciate the hard work of Indonesian Hajj officers striving to provide the best service to pilgrims, especially as the peak Hajj phase approaches. This must be maintained and enhanced, particularly during the peak and final stages of Hajj, and beyond, ensuring all duties proceed smoothly and conclude with ‘husnul khatimah’ as Indonesian pilgrims complete their worship safely, comfortably, and devoutly before returning home with the blessings of a mabrur Hajj,” he concluded.