Minister Deploys Team to Inspect Hajj Pilgrims' Hotel Beds and Ablution Areas in Saudi Arabia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj), M Irfan Yusuf, stated that the Ministry has deployed a team in Saudi Arabia to ensure improvements to the hotel facilities for Hajj pilgrims. Irfan mentioned that several components under attention include carpets, curtains, and ablution areas so that pilgrims can feel safer and more comfortable. “Our team has coordinated with hotel managers so that all notes from the honourable members of the commission from yesterday’s delayed meeting can be followed up, especially regarding facility improvements such as carpets, curtains, ablution areas, and sanitation to make them safer and more comfortable for pilgrims,” said Irfan during a working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR RI on Tuesday (14/4/2026). Irfan added that his side will continue to evaluate the progress of these improvements periodically. “Our team in Saudi Arabia is also conducting direct field monitoring to ensure that the improvements are realised before pilgrims occupy the accommodation. The progress of implementation will continue to be evaluated periodically,” he said. This is because the facilities and their equipment are considered inadequate and pose risks to pilgrims. Member of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, Selly Andriany Gantina, said that basic facilities like ablution areas remain a serious issue, even though the musala capacity is relatively large. “After we observed, the hotel conditions may look good, but when we break it down further inside; such as the musala, the musala capacity can accommodate up to 700 pilgrims, but the ablution area is not suitable for the pilgrims,” said Selly during the working meeting with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah RI on Wednesday (8/4/2026). The PDI-P politician revealed that the design of the ablution area in one hotel has the potential to be dangerous because pilgrims have to lift their feet too high when performing ablution. “Because if pilgrims want to perform ablution, they have to lift their feet high, they might fall. This also needs to be addressed while there is still time; the Ministry of Hajj can coordinate with the hotel party,” said Selly. The findings are based on direct visits and inspections in Mecca and Medina by representatives of Commission VIII of the DPR RI. Husni exemplified that curtains in one hotel even appeared dull and dusty.