Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims' Hotels in Saudi Arabia Under Scrutiny: Unfit Wudu Facilities, Worn-Out Beds and Curtains

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The condition of hotels to be used as accommodation for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia has been spotlighted by members of the House of Representatives Commission VIII.

This is because the facilities and equipment are deemed unfit and pose risks to the pilgrims.

Commission VIII member Selly Andriany Gantina stated that basic facilities such as wudu areas remain a serious issue, even though the prayer room capacity is relatively large.

“After we examined it, the hotel’s condition might seem good, but upon closer inspection inside; for instance, the prayer room can accommodate up to 700 pilgrims, but the wudu facilities are not suitable for the pilgrims,” Selly said during a working meeting with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Wednesday (8/4/2026).

This is because pilgrims must lift their feet too high when performing wudu.

“Because if pilgrims want to perform wudu, they have to lift their feet very high, they might fall. This also needs to be addressed while there’s still time; the Ministry of Religious Affairs can coordinate with the hotel management,” Selly added.

The findings are based on direct visits and inspections in Mecca and Medina by representatives of Commission VIII.

In the same meeting, Commission VIII member M. Husni revealed findings regarding the condition of hotel room equipment that is no longer fit for use.

Husni exemplified that the curtains in one hotel even appeared dull and dusty.

He also highlighted the condition of the carpets, which are old and inconsistent, as well as the beds for Hajj pilgrims whose quality has deteriorated due to age.

“The carpets vary greatly in colour between one and another, even with the same pattern. That indicates the items are more than 15 to 20 years old. I touched the bed again. I know, sir, why this bed is like this, the rubber has already fused together,” Husni revealed.

According to Husni, such conditions could potentially impact the pilgrims’ health.

“I’m worried that pilgrims will enter there healthy, but then immediately get respiratory infections,” he said.