Ministry of Hajj Issues Comprehensive Guidance on Hajj Types and Dam Payment Procedures
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia has officially issued Circular Letter Number S-50/BN/2026 regarding the choice of hajj types and the implementation of dam (ritual penalty) payments. This regulation aims to provide legal certainty, protect pilgrims, and ensure that religious practices are conducted in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence and applicable regulations.
Puji Raharjo, Director General of Hajj and Umrah Implementation Development, emphasised that Indonesian hajj pilgrims have full discretion in choosing their hajj type in accordance with Islamic law provisions.
“Indonesian hajj pilgrims have the full right to choose their hajj type, whether Ifrad, Qiran, or Tamattu’. However, these choices carry consequences, particularly regarding the obligation to pay dam for pilgrims performing Qiran and Tamattu’ hajj,” stated Puji in Jakarta on 16 March.
The circular also provides detailed regulations on dam implementation mechanisms, whether conducted in Saudi Arabia or domestically. For implementation in the Holy Land, the government emphasises that animal sacrifice for dam must be conducted through official channels managed by the Saudi Arabian Government, specifically through the Adahi programme.
“All pilgrims, officials, and religious guides are strictly prohibited from conducting or facilitating dam slaughter outside official mechanisms. This is to avoid sanctions from local authorities and ensure the validity of pilgrims’ religious practices,” he stressed.
Dam payments through official channels are conducted via the Nusuk Masar platform at a cost of approximately 720 SAR or in accordance with provisions applicable during the ongoing hajj season.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also opened the option for dam implementation domestically. Pilgrims may fulfil this obligation through accredited official institutions.
“Dam implementation within the country must uphold principles of Islamic jurisprudence, accountability, and transparency so that religious practices remain valid whilst providing benefits to eligible communities,” he added.
Through this circular, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has instructed all regional offices to conduct massive socialisation campaigns from the preparation stage, strengthen oversight, and prevent illegal dam slaughter practices both in Saudi Arabia and domestically.
This policy is expected to provide convenience for pilgrims, reduce the potential for illegal practices, and ensure that hajj is conducted in an orderly, safe manner in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence and applicable regulations.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah welcomes the fatwa from Muhammadiyah’s Central Board permitting dam slaughter to be conducted domestically under certain conditions. Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar stated that efforts are underway to enable Indonesian hajj pilgrims who must pay dam to do so within the country. Nasaruddin claimed that the two largest Islamic civil society organisations in Indonesia—Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah—have given their approval.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy appreciated the improvements in dam governance implemented during this year’s hajj operations. Pilgrims are urged to pay dam at official venues to ensure that animals for sacrifice meet the prescribed requirements.