Minister of Hajj: YIA Embarkation Becomes National Pilot Model

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, stated that the successful Hajj operations at the Embarkation of Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, serve as a national pilot model for other regions. Earlier, Irfan Yusuf officially saw off 357 prospective pilgrims from Cluster 8 originating from Bantul at the Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) embarkation on Friday (1/5/2026) evening. In addition to praising the innovations in DIY, Irfan conveyed respectful greetings from President Prabowo Subianto. He entrusted a message for the prospective Hajj pilgrims to pray for the safety of the Indonesian nation amid the uncertainty of the global situation. “Regarding the technical implementation of worship, we urge pilgrims not to engage in activities outside the official agenda, taking lessons from the incident involving a group of pilgrims who were once detained at Jabal Magnet,” he said. He asked prospective Hajj pilgrims to focus on obligatory worship and not to overexert themselves with sunnah worship in order to maintain physical fitness ahead of the Hajj peak. The Governor of DIY, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, in a written speech read by the Deputy Governor of DIY, KGPAA Paku Alam X, expressed appreciation for the dedication of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in providing the best services. The Sultan emphasised the importance of the comfort and security of pilgrims amid global geopolitical dynamics. “I hope that prospective Hajj pilgrims can maintain attitudes and behaviour as national ambassadors that reflect our noble values. May all pilgrims be granted health until they return to the homeland as accepted Hajj pilgrims,” hoped KGPAA Paku Alam X. In line with that, Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, Singgih Januratmoko, who was present at the send-off procession, highlighted the cost and distance efficiency felt by DIY residents with the existence of the embarkation at YIA. “Alhamdulillah, now prospective Hajj pilgrims from Bantul are much closer and cheaper, because they no longer need to depart via Solo. This is a very progressive step that greatly facilitates the community,” he said.