Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Considers Including Wheelchair Pusher Costs in BPIH

Makkah (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) is reviewing a proposal to include wheelchair pusher service costs for elderly and disabled pilgrims in the Hajj Service Costs (BPIH) next year to improve worship comfort. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf stated that inclusive services for Hajj rites, including wheelchair access during tawaf and sa’i, are a key consideration for the government in collaboration with the House of Representatives for next year’s arrangements. ‘We are considering various possibilities. Yesterday, we received hundreds of wheelchair donations, but without pushers, they would be problematic. We will discuss the budgeting with our DPR colleagues,’ the minister said in Makkah on Sunday. Besides focusing on improving services for priority pilgrims, the minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to keeping Hajj costs efficient and not burdening pilgrims on the ground. He highlighted oversight of Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (KBIHU). According to regulations, the maximum additional fee KBIHU can charge is Rp3.5 million. The minister assured stricter on-ground monitoring to ensure compliance. ‘KBIHU is our partner in guiding Hajj pilgrims, but all regulatory authority and decisions rest with the government. We are striving to enhance services, not costs, within the existing budget,’ the minister said. Indonesia sends tens of thousands of elderly and high-risk Hajj pilgrims each year who require special assistance. Performing Hajj rites such as tawaf ifadah and sa’i at the Grand Mosque requires good physical stamina due to the long walking distances. Currently, exhausted or physically limited pilgrims often have to pay out-of-pocket for wheelchair pusher services in the Grand Mosque area. These service fees fluctuate and vary based on Hajj season congestion, sometimes causing unexpected financial strain for pilgrims. Therefore, integrating wheelchair service costs into BPIH components is hoped to provide comprehensive protection. Beyond creating an inclusive Hajj ecosystem for the elderly, this measure, alongside strict KBIHU extra-cost oversight, aims to ensure service certainty and free pilgrims from unexpected additional costs.