Indonesian Parliament Seeks Additional Hajj Embarkation Point in Central Java

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEMARANG – Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Abdul Wachid stated that he will propose the addition of a Hajj embarkation point for pilgrims in Central Java Province (Jateng). Wachid conveyed this after conducting a working visit and meeting with Central Java Deputy Governor Taj Yasin in Semarang City on Wednesday (22/4/2026).

“We have wanted to add one embarkation since four years ago. Especially for areas from where pilgrims will depart for Hajj, from Rembang to Tegal, it would be sufficient from the existing embarkation in Demak,” Wachid explained during a press statement after meeting Taj Yasin at his office.

However, Wachid noted that to date, the required land for establishing a new Hajj embarkation in Demak has not been available. Therefore, he asked Yasin to check land availability in other areas, particularly in Kendal Regency or Semarang City. Wachid mentioned that the required land area is between six and ten hectares.

“Earlier, we respectfully requested the Deputy Governor to approach Kendal Regency (specifically the Kaliwungu area), or Semarang City, which is close to the toll road, so that access to the airport will be easier later,” Wachid said.

According to Wachid, if the additional Hajj embarkation is realised, the pilgrims will be departed via Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang. “The flights will go through Semarang,” he said.

Nevertheless, flights for Hajj pilgrims via Adi Soemarmo Airport will be retained. “For Solo, it will still function because Solo covers from the border of East Java and East Java itself, part of which also goes through Solo. That is what we will do,” Wachid stated.

“Thus, we need an additional embarkation because the embarkation at Asrama Haji Donohudan, if we add two more planes for departure or landing, it will no longer be able to handle it,” Wachid added.

He hopes that the Central Java Provincial Government can find land for the new additional Hajj embarkation in Jateng. Commission VIII of the DPR RI will later follow up on this matter with the relevant ministries.

“At the same time, we will discuss it in the DPR RI Budget Agency,” he said.