Indonesian Ministry of Hajj Studies "Queue Ticket" Proposal to Address Hajj Waiting Lines

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) is studying a proposal for a “queue ticket” system as a means to resolve the issue of Hajj waiting lists that have persisted for decades. Under the “queue ticket” scheme, the government would announce the Hajj costs for the current year and open registrations on a specific date. Anyone who is financially and physically prepared could register directly and depart in the same year. “It’s like a queue ticket. Do we need to consider something like that again? Of course, it’s not an easy decision, but as a discourse, it’s certainly valid to think about,” said Irfan on Wednesday (8/4), quoted by Detik. Irfan made the statement during the National Work Meeting (Rakernas) for the Consolidation of Hajj Worship Implementation for 1447 H/2025 AD at the Grand El Hajj Hajj Dormitory or Cipondoh Hajj Dormitory, Tangerang, on Wednesday (8/4). Furthermore, Irfan said the idea stems from progressive thinking within the Ministry, including from the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah. The goal is to find a solution so that prospective pilgrims do not have to wait a long time to perform Hajj. “There’s a thought about whether such a long queue is necessary? Shouldn’t we consider returning to the era before the BPKH (Hajj Financial Management Agency) existed?” he said. Irfan then stated, “Before the BPKH, Insyaallah there was no queue.” This discourse aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s ambition to transform Hajj management in the Red and White Cabinet era. He said the government is committed to shortening the Hajj waiting period, which has long been a major challenge for Muslims in Indonesia. This effort has yielded results. The Hajj queue, which once swelled to 48 years in some regions, is now being reduced. “We are now fighting and alhamdulillah we have reports that the Hajj queue is no longer 48 years. Starting from 2026, the longest Hajj queue will be 26 years, and I will strive to make it even shorter,” said Prabowo during the cabinet work meeting on Wednesday. Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, previously explained that Kemenhaj is currently implementing a new formula to standardise the waiting period nationally. This is done through revisions to Law No. 8 of 2019 to avoid stark disparities between provinces. “In the short term, the queue length across Indonesia will be the same. Now some are 48 years, some 19 years. We want them all uniform,” Dahnil revealed in September last year.