Ministry of Religious Affairs Reminds Pilgrims Not to Use Unofficial Brokers to Pay for Sacrificial Animals in the Holy Land

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenhaj) has urged pilgrims to not make payments for sacrificial animals through unofficial channels, especially by using brokers.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Maria Assegaf, stated that the government has stipulated that the slaughtering of sacrificial animals in the Holy Land must be done through official channels (Adahi).

“We emphasize to all pilgrims that they should not make payments for sacrificial animals through unofficial channels, including using brokers or unauthorized parties,” said Maria in a press conference on Friday (15/5/2026).

This is also to ensure that the worship performed is in accordance with Islamic law and the regulations of the Saudi Arabian authorities.

“Hajj officials on the ground are also actively conducting education and socialization to pilgrims regarding the choices of Hajj types and the obligation of sacrificial animals,” she said.

Maria reminded pilgrims to actively ask questions to the group leader, the leader of the group, the leader of the cluster, or the sector officials if they need information regarding the payment of sacrificial animals.

“Do not easily accept unverified information,” she stressed.

To date, 34,308 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia have made payments for sacrificial animals in accordance with the applicable regulations.

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