Menhaj Confirms Gradual Departure of Hajj Pilgrims Starting 22 April 2026

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj), Mochammad Irfan Yusuf, also known as Gus Irfan, has confirmed that the departure of Indonesian hajj pilgrims will begin gradually on 22 April 2026.

This assurance was given after Gus Irfan met with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah Almudi.

“Pilgrims will be sent to Saudi Arabia gradually starting from 22 April 2026,” said Gus Irfan in a press statement, quoted on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

He assured that the organisation of this year’s hajj has been thoroughly prepared by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj).

“The Indonesian government will continue to strengthen coordination with the Saudi Arabian government and all stakeholders to ensure that the hajj worship runs smoothly and provides comfort and blessings for all pilgrims,” said Gus Irfan.

“We convey our highest appreciation to the Saudi Arabian government for its commitment and support in providing the best services for hajj pilgrims, including those from Indonesia,” he stated.

Regarding global dynamics and the situation in the Middle East region, Gus Irfan hopes that these conditions will not impact the operational organisation of the hajj worship.

“We hope that the tensions can subside soon, so that the entire hajj worship process from various countries can run smoothly and safely,” said Gus Irfan.

These remarks were made after he returned from Saudi Arabia and arrived in Indonesia on Monday (6/4/2026) afternoon.

One of the notes from Wachid concerns the availability of main facilities, particularly tents for hajj pilgrims in the Arafah and Mina areas.

“There are still issues that need improvement regarding the availability of tents in Arafah and Mina. That has not been completed,” said Wachid at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday (7/4/2026).