North Kalimantan's Malinau Regency Only Sends 2 Hajj Pilgrims

The Malinau Regency government in North Kalimantan Province (Kaltara) is only sending two of its residents to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in 1447 Hijriah/2026.

The two pilgrims are Hasmiah Amiruddin Kile, a resident of Malinau Kota Village, and Aries, a resident of Kuala Lapang RT 8, who have been registered for Hajj since 2014.

The Head of the Malinau Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs Hajj Office, Umar Maya, explained that based on Law No. 14 of 2025 on the Organisation of Hajj and Umrah regarding the waiting list, there is actually no pure quota for Malinau Regency pilgrims departing in 2026-2027.

“But why are we sending two people? Because these two prospective Hajj pilgrims are paid-up reserves from 2025,” he said, quoted by Antara on Monday (4/5).

Meanwhile, based on the new law, which is the third amendment to Law No. 8 of 2019, he continued, there are no longer fixed quotas as in previous years for regencies/cities.

“Actually, the pure quota for 2026-2027 is empty. Except for elderly priorities. Then in 2028, Malinau will send nine people, in 2029 there will be 24 people, and in 2030 it will slightly increase to 65 people,” he clarified.

On the other hand, Hasmiah said she was happy to finally get the opportunity to go to the Holy Land at the age of 50 after waiting 12 years.

“Alhamdulillah, happy to be able to depart, because it is indeed a call to go there. Hopefully everything goes smoothly and safely. Pray that the entire Hajj pilgrimage journey runs smoothly until returning to the homeland safely,” she said.

Aries, the prospective Hajj pilgrim from Malinau Regency who is currently 39 years old and works as a heavy vehicle driver, also expressed gratitude and joy at finally getting the chance to perform the Hajj after waiting since 2014.

“Thanks, Alhamdulillah. Have been waiting 12 years,” he said.