KDM's Hopes for Hajj Pilgrims: A Hajj Pilgrim Upon Returning Must Spread Values of Goodness and Piety

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi hopes that the performance of the Hajj pilgrimage is not merely interpreted as a religious ritual. Rather, it also becomes a momentum for character building among the pilgrims. According to the governor, who is affectionately known as KDM, the spiritual experience during their time in the Holy Land should be able to shape a better personality. This is then reflected in social life after returning to the homeland. “The hope is that they can utilise the momentum of the Hajj pilgrimage to become contemplative worship, building character as a Hajj pilgrim who, upon returning, spreads values of goodness and piety,” he said on Thursday (23 April 2026). In addition to highlighting the spiritual aspect, KDM also touched on the importance of improving the quality of Hajj services from the government. He is optimistic that the presence of a ministry specifically handling Hajj affairs will have a positive impact on pilgrim services. “Regarding services, hopefully they will increasingly improve in line with the expectations of establishing the Minister for Hajj Affairs. I am confident that the services will definitely improve,” he said. Meanwhile, the inaugural flight for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims took place simultaneously on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, including for pilgrims from West Java. This year, Indonesia has obtained a quota of 221,000 pilgrims. From that number, West Java receives an allocation of 29,643 pilgrims divided into 68 flight groups (kloter). The details are that 28 kloter are departed via Bekasi Embarkation, while the other 40 kloter via Kertajati Embarkation. With a large number of pilgrims, the readiness of services and departure management becomes a crucial factor so that this year’s Hajj pilgrimage runs smoothly. Not only that, but it also fulfils the expectations of improving the quality of services for all pilgrims.