Ministry of Hajj Strengthens Inclusive Hajj Services for Elderly and Disabled Pilgrims

Jakarta — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has affirmed its commitment to providing inclusive and equitable hajj worship services for all Indonesian pilgrims, including the elderly, women, and persons with disabilities.

This commitment was communicated by the Director General of Hajj and Umrah Services, Puji Raharjo, whilst attending a dissemination and public discussion event on the results of inclusive hajj monitoring, held by the National Commission on Disability (KND) in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Puji emphasised that hajj is a right for all Muslims regardless of background or physical condition. “Hajj is a right and obligation for all Muslims, unimpeded by ethnicity, nationality, or condition,” said Puji.

He stated that the government continues to improve regulations and strengthen policies to ensure that hajj arrangements become increasingly accessible to all segments of society.

“Alhamdulillah, in regulatory improvements, inclusivity continues to be promoted. Hajj is not merely a male affair, but must also be welcoming to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and women. All pilgrims, regardless of their condition, must receive guaranteed equal service,” he said.

Puji added that Indonesia’s hajj services are based on principles of safety, humanity, and accessibility for all pilgrims. Therefore, the government is strengthening coordination with various disability organisations to improve the quality of inclusive hajj services.

“We continue to prioritise and expand coordination and collaboration with all disability organisations and institutions, so that we can provide equal space and, moving forward, hajj services will become increasingly inclusive,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Commission on Disability, Dante Rigmalia, expressed appreciation for the rapid response of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in implementing various recommendations regarding hajj services for persons with disabilities.

According to Dante, in previous hajj arrangements, several services have demonstrated improvements, including the provision of meals for pilgrims with special needs.

“Food for the elderly and disabled pilgrims is already quite good. This demonstrates attention to pilgrims’ special needs,” he said.

Nevertheless, he assessed that there remain several aspects that need to be strengthened, particularly regarding dedicated support for disabled pilgrims throughout the hajj pilgrimage.

“Special assistance is needed for disabled pilgrims. For instance, pilgrims requiring wheelchairs should not be separated from their companions, as this is very important for their comfort and safety,” said Dante.