MP Urges Hajj Luggage Procurement Not to Become a Feast for Airlines, Government Prepares Sanctions

JAKARTA - A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission VIII, Selly Andriany Gantina, has reminded authorities that the procurement of luggage for Hajj pilgrims should not become a playground for certain parties, including airlines.

The PDI-P politician views the luggage issue as a basic need for pilgrims that must be well-managed by the government, with no delays in distribution.

“The luggage matter was already touched upon yesterday. Can’t the luggage become a game anymore; this is a pilgrims’ affair. Why must it be Garuda handling the procurement? Next year, why not just the Ministry of Religious Affairs? It’s giving me a headache,” Selly said during a working meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, on Tuesday (14/4/2026).

Selly also proposed that future luggage procurement be handled directly by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to better control distribution down to the regional level.

Besides luggage, Selly highlighted the distribution of uniforms for Hajj officials, which has been reported as not yet received evenly.

“Then, regarding the uniforms for officials, I have reports that many haven’t received them. How is the coordination?” she said.

In response, Minister of Hajj and Umrah M Irfan Yusuf stated that his side has issued warnings to the airline regarding delays in luggage distribution.

“For the luggage, we also sent a letter to Garuda yesterday about the warning for this delay, and as per the suggestion earlier, we have also started thinking about what punishment we must impose for the luggage delay,” Irfan said.

Saudi Airlines has distributed 74.1 percent of the luggage, while Garuda Indonesia has only reached 50.8 percent.

He assured that the remaining luggage distribution is targeted to be completed at the latest on 17 April 2026, so all luggage will be received by pilgrims.

“The rest of the distribution at the latest on 17 April will be in the hands of the pilgrims,” Irfan said.

The government has also taken additional supervisory measures by sending an assistance team to monitor the distribution process in the field.

“Regarding the luggage, we have sent a warning letter and also dispatched an assistance team to monitor and assist with luggage distribution, including visiting the company in Bogor. That was also one of the sources of delay there,” he concluded.