House of Representatives Commission VIII Urges Enhancement of Services and Protection for Hajj Pilgrims Ahead of Peak Season
Member of the House of Representatives Commission VIII, Selly Andriany Gantina, has urged the government to strengthen medical facilities, accompaniment services, and oversight for Indonesian hajj pilgrims ahead of the peak of the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. This request follows an increase in the number of hajj pilgrims who have passed away in the Holy Land and a rise in those requiring intensive care.
Selly appreciated this year’s hajj embarkation process, which she deemed to have proceeded quite well. The majority of first-wave pilgrims have arrived in Madinah, while others are entering Makkah alongside the second wave’s departure. Nevertheless, she emphasised that several important notes require immediate government evaluation.
“I first extend my thanks to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for organising the hajj. However, based on our evaluation, there are several matters that must receive serious attention,” said Selly before attending the 18th Plenary Session in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
According to the legislator from the PDI Perjuangan Faction, the primary focus now is to curb the mortality rate among pilgrims to prevent it from rising ahead of the peak hajj phase in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna). She reminded that extreme weather in Saudi Arabia and high physical activity could heighten health risks, particularly for elderly pilgrims and those with comorbidities.
Beyond health issues, Selly also spotlighted the readiness of accommodation facilities and on-site hajj officer services. She received reports that some hotels are located quite far from the main worship activity centres, necessitating special attention from officers to maintain pilgrim comfort.
She further reminded of the importance of upholding the quality of catering services for pilgrims in both Makkah and Madinah. In her view, providing good and varied catering is essential to meet pilgrims’ nutritional needs during worship.
Furthermore, Selly called for tightened supervision of Hajj and Umrah Worship Guidance Groups (KBIHU). She warned against forcing pilgrims to perform optional umrah repeatedly amid extreme heat and vulnerable physical conditions.
“We are still hearing of pilgrims being directed to perform optional umrah multiple times. Yet the weather is extremely hot and officers are limited. This must be addressed,” she said.
Selly suggested that additional optional worship be conducted after the peak hajj phase concludes, allowing pilgrims’ conditions to stabilise and reducing health risks.
On another note, she highlighted hospital services and the health insurance system for Indonesian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. According to information she received, there are still obstacles regarding insurance coverage limits, causing some unrecovered pilgrims to be transferred to other hospitals.
“If pilgrims are not yet healed, they should continue to be treated until complete. They should not be shuttled around merely due to insurance time limits,” she asserted.
According to Selly, continuity in health services is a crucial factor in providing a sense of security and comfort for pilgrims during worship. Therefore, she urged the Indonesian government to strengthen coordination with Saudi authorities to optimise health protections for pilgrims.
Not only that, Selly also addressed pilgrim transportation aspects, particularly the use of vehicles outside official services. She requested that all modes of transport used for city tours or religious tourism be under official organisers’ supervision to ensure pilgrim safety.
“Going forward, it must be evaluated; every transport used by pilgrims must be under government control to better guarantee safety,” she stated.
Selly hopes all these notes will be promptly followed up by the government, given that the peak hajj implementation is imminent. In her opinion, the success of hajj organisation is not only measured by smooth embarkations but also by the quality of protection, safety, and comfort for Indonesian pilgrims while in the Holy Land.