Menhaj: No Hajj Officials Allowed Early Leave!

JAKARTA - The Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) of the Republic of Indonesia, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, emphasised that Hajj Service Officials (PPIH) for 2026 are prohibited from requesting early leave.

“I have already stated that there will be no permission for early return. Depart according to schedule, return according to schedule,” said Irfan while seeing off 200 PPIH for the Mecca Regional Office (Daker) at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory in East Jakarta on Thursday (23/4/2026).

He stressed that Hajj officials must not apply for accelerated return for any reason.

If an official plans to return early for personal reasons, the Menhaj suggested that they should not depart from the outset.

“There will be no permission for early return for any reason. If you still plan to return early, it is better not to depart today,” he said.

“Whatever you do, if it is positive, it will give a positive value to the nation and the state; if negative, it will give a negative image to the nation and the state,” he added.

Irfan wished bon voyage to the PPIH Daker Mecca who will serve during the crucial moments of the Hajj pilgrimage.

“This is not a light task, because you are carrying a heavy mandate. Mecca is the peak of Hajj services. There, pilgrims from all over the world converge,” he explained.

Serving in the Holy Land, the Menhaj asked Hajj officials to pray for Indonesia to remain a strong nation.

“Do not forget, if there is an opportunity to pray in places that are mustajabah, I ask you to pray for the Indonesian nation to remain strong, a nation capable of navigating this uncertain world situation,” he said.