KH Cholil Nafis Optimistic that 2026 Hajj Arrangements Will Proceed as Planned

Musyrif Diny from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), KH Muhammad Cholil Nafis, hopes that the organisation of the Hajj pilgrimage in 1447 H/2026 CE can proceed smoothly despite facing various challenges, particularly the high number of elderly pilgrims (lansia). “My hope is that this Hajj organisation runs smoothly because organising Hajj is not an easy matter as it involves other countries,” Cholil Nafis told the Hajj Media Centre (MCH) team upon arrival at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday (12/5/2026) at 16:30 Saudi Arabia Time (WAS). According to him, the challenges of organising Indonesia’s Hajj are significant because the majority of pilgrims are elderly, while the Hajj pilgrimage requires good physical preparedness. Nevertheless, he is optimistic that all processes can proceed according to plan. Cholil assessed that the coordination carried out by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah with the Saudi Arabian government has been running well. He also mentioned that the prepared service scheme has been designed to be more accommodating to the needs of elderly pilgrims. “I have confidence that, coordinated by Gus Irfan, this Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is running well because we have created a setting for the Hajj pilgrimage organisation that is elderly-friendly. Of course, we hope that from all these processes, it becomes a blessed Hajj,” he stated. In addition to the smoothness of the pilgrimage, Cholil hopes that Indonesian Hajj pilgrims can bring positive impacts after returning to the homeland. According to him, the status of a blessed Hajj is not only felt personally but also provides benefits to the wider community. “After returning, bringing a blessed Hajj is not only for oneself, but a blessed Hajj brings goodness to all Indonesian society. I pray that it runs smoothly,” he said. He added that all stages of the Hajj organisation up to now are still proceeding according to plan and applicable regulations. “Looking at the scheme, the plan, and the process, it is running well, on track; in terms of Sharia, it is correct, in terms of regulations, it is also correct, and the coordination with the Saudi Arabian government is also good. Hopefully, there are no obstacles and it runs smoothly,” he said.