Ombudsman's Findings Behind the Success of the 2026 Hajj Implementation

JAKARTA — Ombudsman RI (ORI) has expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) for the success of the 2026 Hajj organisation, as well as to all parties who worked in synergy to ensure the smooth running of its oversight.

Ombudsman RI member Nuzran Joher said the 2026 Hajj was the first to be carried out through the new institutional structure, which separated the Ministry of Religious Affairs from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

“This step represents one form of governance reform in the organisation of the Hajj,” Nuzran said when contacted in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/7/2026).

Ombudsman RI also thanked all parties who participated and collaborated to ensure smooth oversight of the Hajj, including the Seventh Deputy for Human Development and Culture at Ombudsman RI and all Ombudsman RI representative offices across 34 provinces.

Although the Hajj generally ran well, ORI noted a number of findings and public complaints that should serve as evaluation material for the service organisers.

Nuzran outlined the first finding, concerning the transparency of officer recruitment. The Ombudsman found indications of prolonged delays by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in following up on public complaints regarding the selection process for Hajj Pilgrimage Organising Officers (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia.

Second, concerning failed departures of pilgrims. ORI received complaints about pilgrims whose trips to the Holy Land were cancelled, a matter of concern as it concerns the fulfilment of the public’s right to receive public services.

Third, concerning the adequacy of embarkation facilities. The Ombudsman found a number of infrastructure problems at the Batam Hajj Embarkation Dormitory, such as toilet and bathroom facilities that were not functioning optimally, causing queues and reducing pilgrims’ comfort.