Minister calls for transparent, accountable haj management in Papua

Minister of Haj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has called for the management of the haj pilgrimage in Papua Province to be carried out transparently, professionally, and accountably in an effort to improve service quality for pilgrims in the coming season. “Therefore, this evaluation is important to carry out as a basis for improving haj services in 2027,” Minister Irfan said during his address at a haj management evaluation event in Jayapura on Saturday. He added that the establishment of the Ministry of Haj and Umrah was a mandate from President Prabowo Subianto to deliver haj management that is more focused, professional, transparent, and free from malpractice. “In addition, we have begun implementing a haj quota distribution system based on the number of waiting lists in each province, which is considered fairer than the previous mechanism,” Minister Irfan stated. He acknowledged that as a new ministry, it still faces human resource limitations. Therefore, the government continues to strengthen the organisation through recruitment that prioritises competence and integrity. Suzana Wanggai noted that the evaluation of the haj management is a crucial step to produce recommendations for improving service quality, from the departure process and services in the Holy Land to the use of information technology and strengthening communication with pilgrims’ families.