Number of Hajj Pilgrims from West Bandung Drops Drastically, Only 89 This Year
The Indonesian government is faced with a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable solution.
The number of prospective Hajj pilgrims from West Bandung Regency departing for the 2026 Hajj season has experienced a drastic decline. This year, only 89 pilgrims will be sent to the Holy Land of Mecca. This figure is far lower compared to previous years, which reached around 1,228 people.
This drop in the number of pilgrims occurred following a new policy on quota distribution from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenhaj). The policy changes the quota determination system from previously being based on the proportion of the Muslim population to a national waiting list that is equalised across all provinces.
“There is an intention from Kemenhaj to equalise the queues for the sake of justice. Previously, quotas were based on the proportion of the Muslim population; this year, they are determined based on the national waiting list,” said the Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office in West Bandung Regency, Enjah Sugiarto, on Wednesday (8/4).
Enjah explained that for this Hajj season, there are 107 prospective pilgrims who have fully paid the Hajj travel costs. However, of that number, only 89 are ready to depart.
“If those who have fully paid in West Bandung total 107 people, only 89 will depart from West Bandung. Plus one person from KBIHU (Hajj and Umrah Guidance Group) and two PHD (Regional Hajj Officers),” he revealed.
Meanwhile, some other prospective pilgrims have chosen to transfer their departure to other regions. A total of 12 people have decided to transfer, while another six have postponed their departure.
“There are six people who have fully paid but are postponing their departure. The reasons are first, health; second, mahram reasons. For example, when they registered, they were unmarried; now they are married, but their spouse has not met the five-year waiting period, so they cannot accompany them,” Enjah stated.
Prospective Hajj pilgrims from West Bandung are scheduled to depart from Ash-Siddiq Mosque on 13 May to the Indramayu Hajj Dormitory. They are grouped in Kloter KJT-29, which will be flown via West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati, Majalengka.
Enjah also assured that there have been no cancellations of Hajj departures to date, despite the heating geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
According to him, this certainty was obtained after the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Danhil Anzar Simanjuntak, met with Saudi Arabian officials.
“Last week, the Deputy Minister met with Saudi parties, and they stated that Hajj 2026 will still be open,” he concluded.