INDEF Highlights Hajj Ticket Auction Discourse, Warns of Risks and Impacts

The Center for Sharia Economic Development (CSED) INDEF has highlighted the discourse surrounding changes to the Hajj queuing system, shifting from a waiting list scheme to a waiting room model that has recently been widely discussed. This ‘Hajj Ticket Auction’ concept was first proposed by Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, M Irfan Yusuf, to address the long Hajj queues. Regarding this proposal, the Head of CSED INDEF, Prof Nur Hidayah, has cautioned that digital transformation in Hajj organisation must not sacrifice principles of justice and inclusivity. According to Prof Nur, the length of the Hajj queue in Indonesia is indeed a serious issue. Currently, the number of people on the Hajj waiting list has reached around 5.4 million, while Indonesia’s annual Hajj quota is only around 221,000 pilgrims. In fact, in some regions, the waiting period for departure has exceeded more than 40 years. ‘And in this context, a rather provocative and controversial idea has emerged. The shift from waiting list to waiting room,’ said Prof Nur during her speech at a public discussion titled ‘The Latest Hajj System: From Waiting List to Waiting Room’, held online on Friday (24/4/2026). She explained that the concept allows for quota distribution to be carried out in a more dynamic, competitive, and real-time manner. However, she believes there is a fundamental question that must be answered before the system is implemented. ‘This is where our fundamental question lies: can or should market logic and technological speed become the main determinants in access to Hajj worship?’ she said.